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Audi 80 B4 (1991-1996) reliability

At a glance

Audi 80 B4 built before 2000: fails its MOT more often than average

Audi 80 B4 models built before 2000 fail their MOT more often than 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.

Looking at an Audi 80 B4?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Audi 80 B4 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi 80 B4 models built before 2000 involves the suspension.

Audi 80 B4
No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate1991-1996SaloonPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 697 tests of 80 models registered 1991-1996.

About 1 in 8 80 B4 MOTs (13.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 697 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 11.0% and 16.1%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 80 B4 MOTs (6.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Based on 697 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.2% and 9.0%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

B4 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
69730.6%

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.

How the 80 B4 compares

At each age below, see how the 80 B4 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 8,283 tests across 10 Audi models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
69730.6%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can 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.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 80 B4.

  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 30.6% for the Audi 80 B4, 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 30.6% for the Audi 80 B4, 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 30.6% for the Audi 80 B4, 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 30.6% for the Audi 80 B4, 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.

Recall context

4 recalls in all

2 of the 4 80 B4 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.

What has gone wrong on 80 B4 cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 2,354 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
49%
Emissions
40%
Drivetrain
30%
Steering
10%
Bodywork
3%

Wear items

Brakes
54%
Lighting
48%
Tyres
31%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 15% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

B4 variants compared

80 B4 variants built before 2000

The fail rate for each 80 B4 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 8029.5%491 tests

Diesel

  • 8033.0%206 tests
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Audi 80 models of this age

This list covers every Audi 80 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B4 on its own.

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 tests

Looking at an Audi 80 B4?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Audi 80 B4 (1991-1996) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 697 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 697 MOT tests on Audi 80 models first registered between 1991-1996. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.