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Audi 80 reliability by build year

Coverage 1986-19962 named generationsSaloonDIESEL / PETROL

We've only got 970 MOT tests for Audi 80 models built before 2000 (over 25 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Audi 80 built before 2000: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Audi 80 models built before 2000 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an Audi 80 by number plate

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Audi 80 models built before 2000 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 5% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi 80 models built before 2000 involves the suspension.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Audi 80's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Axles & Wheels

Worth checking

Inspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Over the last three years, fail rates fell, then rose again. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 80's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

80 B4

B4 (1991-1996)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

28.4% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Likely between 25.7% and 31.4%

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 970 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Audi 80.

See every build year for the Audi 80

By age

Audi 80 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Audi 80 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
97028.4%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old Audi 80 models

These issues come from 25+ year old Audi 80 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    19.5%
    Advisory: 199Fail: 5 (2% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    18.9%
    Advisory: 213Fail: 75 (26% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Wheel bearing has slight play

    14.1%
    Advisory: 183Fail: 22 (11% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    12.7%
    Advisory: 205Fail: 8 (4% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    12.0%
    Advisory: 161Fail: 6 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 970 MOT tests on 25+ year old Audi 80 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old Audi 80 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension35%
  2. Other + Suspension27%
  3. Body & structure + Suspension27%
  4. Brakes + Other27%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 561 MOT tests on Audi 80 cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Audi 80.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

4 recalls in all

2 of the 4 Audi 80 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 recalls

Top concerns

  • Unscheduled deployment of drivers air bag
  • Possible failure of front suspension bolts

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Nissan Skyline

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.8%
    Dangerous
    2.1%

    Lower fail rate: 10.7%, against 28.5% for the Audi 80, both built before 2000.

    1,007 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Morris Minor 1000

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.8%
    Dangerous
    4.8%

    Lower fail rate: 18.5%, against 28.5% for the Audi 80, both built before 2000.

    1,272 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.2%, against 28.5% for the Audi 80, both built before 2000.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,238 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz C-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.5%
    Dangerous
    5.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.7%

    Lower fail rate: 24.0%, against 28.5% for the Audi 80, both built before 2000.

    8 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,080 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Audi 80 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 970 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Audi 80 ever sold: 970 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 970 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.