2006 Audi A4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Audi A4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Audi A4 than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Track rod ends2.7× usual
  Audi A4

  15.5% All 2006 cars

  5.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usual
  Audi A4

  18.6% All 2006 cars

  11.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 2.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Ball joint dust cover2.3× usual
  Audi A4

  11.2% All 2006 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 2% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Flexible brake hoses2.1× usual
  Audi A4

  11.4% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes5.2× usual
  Audi A4

  5.7% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2006 Audi A4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Audi A4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  53% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  34% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  34% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  30% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Driveshafts and joints
  11% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Audi A4

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2006 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2006 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?