2003 Audi A6: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Audi A6?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Audi A6 than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.7× usual
  Audi A6

  22.8% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 1.9% of all 2003 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2.6× usual
  Audi A6

  17.3% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.7× usual
  Audi A6

  5.4% All 2003 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.5% of all 2003 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions3.4× usual
  Audi A6

  2.7% All 2003 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Common 2003 Audi A6 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Audi A6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  48% 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
  43% 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
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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
  17% 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 2003 Audi A6

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

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2003 Audi A6 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2003 Audi A6 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link bushes? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2003 Audi A6 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?