2017 Audi R8: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Audi R8 first registered in 2017: we looked at the 950 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2017 Audi R8 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2017 Audi R8 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres14% 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.
- Suspension5% 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.
- Brakes3% 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.
- 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.
- Lights and electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2017 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.
- Built to Nov 2017
Gearbox oil leak recall (built to Nov 2017)
About 1,000 cars built up to November 2017 were recalled because a faulty breather pipe could leak gearbox oil.
At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recall was done, and look for oil under the car.
- Cars with magnetic ride
Leaking magnetic dampers
The magnetic ride dampers can leak.
At the viewing: Look for oily dampers.
- All engines
Hard use and crash damage
Low mileage can hide track use. Check carefully for crash damage and abuse.
At the viewing: Look for repaired panels, worn brakes and tyres, and ask about track days.
- Steel brakes
Squealing steel brakes
Steel brakes can squeal until they bed in. Carbon-ceramics aren't affected.
At the viewing: Listen when braking gently.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Audi R8
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the gearbox breather recall been done?
- 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% |
| 2016 | 970 | Tyres 11% |
| 2015 | 591 | Tyres 10% |
| 2014 | 723 | Tyres 11% |
| 2013 | 703 | Tyres 11% |
| 2012 | 519 | Tyres 13% |
| 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 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score