2012 Audi R8: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Audi R8 first registered in 2012: we looked at the 519 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2012 Audi R8 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Audi R8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres13% 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.
- Suspension8% 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.
- Brakes8% 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 electrics6% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks3% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors2% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 2012 Audi R8
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.
- 4.2 V8
Engine bearing failures (V8)
A few V8s have had bottom-end bearing failures. Oil lines can also rust.
At the viewing: Listen for knocking or odd noises, and look at the oil lines underneath.
- All engines
Rear wishbone failure
The lower rear wishbones can fail. A new wishbone and hub is about £3,000 in parts alone.
At the viewing: Listen for knocks from the back and have the suspension checked on a lift.
- Manual and R tronic
Clutch wear (£3,500)
A clutch may only last about 20,000 miles and costs around £3,500.
At the viewing: Ask when the clutch was last replaced and have its wear read by a specialist.
- Cars with magnetic ride
Magnetic dampers failing
The magnetic dampers can fail, at about £800 each.
At the viewing: Look for oily dampers and a bouncy or crashy ride.
- All engines
Misfires from ignition coils
Faulty ignition coils cause misfires.
At the viewing: Listen for an uneven idle and check for warning lights.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Audi R8
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the engine had any major work, and is there a full Audi or specialist history?
- Have the rear wishbones been replaced?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi R8?
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 R8 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2021 | 197 | Tyres 12% |
| 2020 | 336 | Tyres 11% |
| 2019 | 404 | Tyres 13% |
| 2018 | 785 | Tyres 13% |
| 2017 | 950 | Tyres 14% |
| 2016 | 970 | Tyres 11% |
| 2015 | 591 | Tyres 10% |
| 2014 | 723 | Tyres 11% |
| 2013 | 703 | Tyres 11% |
| 2011 | 884 | Tyres 13% |
| 2010 | 983 | Tyres 14% |
| 2009 | 855 | Brakes 14% |
| 2008 | 1,581 | Brakes 16% |
| 2007 | 796 | Suspension 18% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Audi R8 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score