Used car guide

2008 Audi A8: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Audi A8 first registered in 2008: we looked at the 584 MOTs these cars had during 2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

584MOTs of 2008 cars, done in 2025
81%pass first time (all 2008 cars: 57%)
8,500typical miles a year
26%had tyres flagged

Common 2008 Audi A8 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Audi A8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    26% 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
    25% 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
    10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Audi A8

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an Audi A8?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Audi A8 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023154Tyres 12%
2022251Tyres 16%
2021293Tyres 15%
2020401Tyres 20%
2019728Tyres 15%
2018954Tyres 19%
2017662Tyres 18%
2016884Tyres 19%
2015921Tyres 20%
2014838Tyres 20%
2013697Tyres 20%
2012676Tyres 24%
2011670Tyres 27%
2010428Suspension 29%
2009338Suspension 27%
2007472Suspension 33%
2006332Suspension 27%
2005273Tyres 30%
2004165Suspension 33%
2003–Too few tests
2002–Too few tests
2001–Too few tests
2000–Too few tests
1999–Too few tests
1998–Too few tests
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2025, counting the MOTs of Audi A8 cars first registered in 2008. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score