Audi A4 common problems and MOT failures
What goes wrong on a used Audi A4, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 762,202 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.
The 2025 Audi A4
Cars registered in 2025 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Audi A4 as a whole.
What to check on a 2025 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Other years
Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).
20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995
Generation guides: Audi A4 B8 (2008–2015) · Audi A4 B9 (2015–2024)
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.
- Cars registered 2008–2015 · 2.0 TFSI petrol
Timing chain tensioner (2.0 TFSI)
The tensioner can wear on higher-mileage petrols, which risks serious engine damage.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle on a cold start.
- Cars registered 2008–2012 · 2.0 TFSI petrol, about 2008-2012
Heavy oil use (early 2.0 TFSI)
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.
- Cars registered 2016–2024 · All engines
Seat and airbag recalls
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.
- Cars registered 2008–2015 · 2.0 TDI diesel
EGR and particulate filter (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
- Cars registered 2000–2005 · All engines
Air conditioning faults
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.
- Cars registered 2000–2005 · Manual gearbox
Gearbox synchromesh wear
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.
- Cars registered 2000–2005 · 1.8 turbo petrol
Ignition coil failures (1.8 turbo)
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.
- Cars registered 2000–2005 · All engines
Front suspension wear
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.
- Cars registered 2000–2005 · Diesel
Oil use (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.
- Cars registered 2019–2021 · Mild-hybrid models
Starter-alternator recall (mild hybrids)
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.
4 more known faults
- Cars registered 2016–2024 · All engines
Stop-start problems
Some owners report problems with the stop-start system.
At the viewing: Watch the engine stop and restart smoothly at junctions, with no warning lights.
- Cars registered 2016–2024 · All engines
Trim rattles
Rattles from the cabin trim are a common complaint.
At the viewing: Drive on a rough road and listen around the dashboard and doors.
- Cars registered 2016–2024 · Avant estate
Powered tailgate faults (Avant)
The powered tailgate on Avant estates can play up.
At the viewing: Open and close it several times with the button and the key.
- Cars registered 2008–2015
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.
Common Audi A4 MOT failures to check
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.
Petrol
Suspension arm bushes and joints
up to 3.2× usualStands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Coil springs
up to 48× usualStands out on cars registered in 2016, 2017, 2017, 2018, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt 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 4.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt 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.
Drive shaft (CV) joints
up to 2.7× usualStands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
Flexible brake hoses
up to 2.5× usualStands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
Ball joint dust cover
up to 3.8× usualStands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Diesel
Suspension arm bushes and joints
up to 4× usualStands out on cars registered in 1998, 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) ClickMechanicAt 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 3.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt 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 50× usualStands out on cars registered in 2016, 2016, 2017, 2017, 2018, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt 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.
Shock absorbers
up to 2.1× usualStands out on cars registered in 2002, 2004, 2005, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
Number plate lights
up to 2.2× usualStands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
Anti-roll bar link bushes
up to 6.6× usualStands out on cars registered in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.
Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) CheckatradeAt 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.
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.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 89% | 92% -3 | 362 (small sample) |
| 2022 | 88% | 89% -1 | 7,043 |
| 2021 | 88% | 87% +1 | 14,494 |
| 2020 | 88% | 87% +1 | 25,381 |
| 2019 | 86% | 85% +1 | 39,575 |
| 2018 | 83% | 83% +0 | 40,399 |
| 2017 | 81% | 80% +1 | 63,211 |
| 2016 | 79% | 77% +2 | 65,764 |
| 2015 | 76% | 74% +2 | 48,854 |
| 2014 | 74% | 70% +4 | 50,261 |
| 2013 | 73% | 67% +6 | 47,748 |
| 2012 | 72% | 64% +8 | 40,105 |
| 2011 | 70% | 62% +8 | 41,085 |
| 2010 | 67% | 60% +7 | 38,856 |
| 2009 | 65% | 59% +6 | 38,253 |
| 2008 | 63% | 57% +6 | 45,736 |
| 2007 | 63% | 57% +6 | 45,101 |
| 2006 | 62% | 56% +6 | 38,799 |
| 2005 | 61% | 57% +4 | 22,925 |
| 2004 | 60% | 57% +3 | 19,785 |
| 2003 | 60% | 57% +3 | 11,574 |
| 2002 | 59% | 58% +1 | 6,124 |
| 2001 | 61% | 60% +1 | 2,778 |
| 2000 | 62% | 61% +1 | 2,815 |
| 1999 | 63% | 63% +0 | 2,189 |
| 1998 | 66% | 65% +1 | 1,448 |
| 1997 | 60% | 65% -5 | 812 |
| 1996 | 65% | 66% -1 | 551 |
| 1995 | 63% | 67% -4 | 174 (small sample) |
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.
- How much oil does it use between services?
- 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.)
- 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.)
- Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 49× as often on the Audi A4 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi A4?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score