2004 Audi RS6: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Audi RS6 first registered in 2004: we looked at the 158 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 158 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2004 Audi RS6 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2004 Audi RS6 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes32% 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.
- Suspension25% 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.
- Tyres22% 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 leaks14% 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.
- Lights and electrics13% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints8% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Known faults on the 2004 Audi RS6
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.
- All engines
Electrical gremlins
Electrical faults hit almost 40% of cars, and the engine ECU can fail, shown by warning lights or a sudden loss of power.
At the viewing: Check every warning light goes out and test all the electrics.
- All engines
Air conditioning faults
Around a quarter of cars have air con faults.
At the viewing: Make sure it blows icy cold with no damp or musty smell.
- Diesel
Oil use (diesel)
The diesels can use oil between services.
At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2004 Audi RS6
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi RS6?
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 RS6 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 408 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 1,013 | Tyres 14% |
| 2020 | 1,882 | Tyres 16% |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | – | Too few tests |
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | – | Too few tests |
| 2014 | 324 | Tyres 19% |
| 2013 | 140 | Tyres 14% |
| 2010 | – | Too few tests |
| 2009 | 255 | Brakes 19% |
| 2008 | 543 | Suspension 20% |
| 2005 | – | Too few tests |
| 2003 | 274 | Brakes 31% |
| 2002 | – | Too few tests |
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 RS6 cars first registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score