Audi A4 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with an Audi A4?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing chain tensioner (2.0 TFSI)

  Cars registered 2008–2015 · 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

• Heavy oil use (early 2.0 TFSI)

  Cars registered 2008–2012 · 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

• Seat and airbag recalls

  Cars registered 2016–2024 · All engines

  There were recalls for front seats and seat frames, and for airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners that might not work.

  At the viewing: Make sure the airbag light goes out, and ask for proof of recall work.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi A4 (Mk5, 2015-2025) review

• EGR and particulate filter (diesel)

  Cars registered 2008–2015 · 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

• Air conditioning faults

  Cars registered 2000–2005 · All engines

  There are many reports of air conditioning faults on this A4.

  At the viewing: Turn the air con to its coldest setting and make sure it blows properly cold within a few minutes.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Gearbox synchromesh wear

  Cars registered 2000–2005 · Manual gearbox

  Some manual gearboxes have synchromesh problems.

  At the viewing: Change up and down through every gear, quickly and slowly. Be wary of crunching or gears that are hard to select.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Ignition coil failures (1.8 turbo)

  Cars registered 2000–2005 · 1.8 turbo petrol

  The 1.8 turbo petrol can suffer ignition coil problems, which cause misfires.

  At the viewing: Check the engine runs smoothly at idle and pulls cleanly, with no flashing engine light.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Front suspension wear

  Cars registered 2000–2005 · All engines

  A few higher-mileage cars have front suspension problems.

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks or clonks over bumps, and check the steering feels tight.

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Oil use (diesel)

  Cars registered 2000–2005 · Diesel

  Diesels often use a lot of oil when new. It should settle down, but an owner who didn't keep it topped up may have caused damage.

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

  Source: What Car?: Audi A4 (2000-2005) advice

• Starter-alternator recall (mild hybrids)

  Cars registered 2019–2021 · Mild-hybrid models

  Moisture could get into the starter-alternator on mild-hybrid cars, which led to two recalls in 2020.

  At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer or the seller to confirm the recall work was done.

  Source: Auto Express: used Audi A4 (Mk5, 2015-2025) review

Common Audi A4 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 3.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 3.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Coil springs

  up to 49× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2016, 2017, 2017, 2018, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes

  up to 5.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

  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.

• Flexible brake hoses

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1996, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

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

• Shock absorbers

  up to 2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2022.

  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.

Audi A4 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2012 Audi A4 did best (72% passed first time, 8 points above all 2012 cars) and the 2022 did worst (88%, 1 point below all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying an 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 3.4× as often on the Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 49× as often on the Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?