2012 Audi A4: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Audi A4?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Audi A4 than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Audi A4

  16.7% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.9% of all 2012 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.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  Audi A4

  10.4% All 2012 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.6% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2012 Audi A4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Audi A4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Suspension
  32% 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
  21% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  15% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  8% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Driveshafts and joints
  5% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

Known faults on the 2012 Audi A4

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Heavy oil use (early 2.0 TFSI)

  2.0 TFSI petrol, about 2008-2012

  Early 2.0 TFSI petrols are known for burning oil because of the piston rings.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A4 B8 reliability guide

• Timing chain tensioner (2.0 TFSI)

  2.0 TFSI petrol

  The tensioner can wear on higher-mileage petrols, which risks serious engine damage.

  At the viewing: Listen for a rattle on a cold start.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A4 B8 reliability guide

• EGR and particulate filter (diesel)

  2.0 TDI diesel

  Diesels can clog the EGR valve and particulate filter, especially with short trips.

  At the viewing: Watch for black smoke, rough idle or warning lights.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A4 B8 reliability guide

• Worn front suspension bushes

  Front control arm bushes wear early, causing clunks and vague steering.

  At the viewing: Listen over bumps and feel for wander.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A4 B8 reliability guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Audi A4

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

1. How much oil does it use between services?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2012 Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?