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Audi A4 B7 (2004-2007) reliability

At a glance

Audi A4 B7 built around 2007: about average at the MOT

Audi A4 B7 models built around 2007 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at an Audi A4 B7?

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

Key figure

28% of MOT tests on Audi A4 B7 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A4 B7 models built around 2007 involves the suspension.

Audi A4 B7
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2004-2007SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 44,745 tests of A4 models registered 2004-2007.

About 1 in 10 A4 B7 MOTs (9.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 16,006 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). 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 A4 B7 MOTs (6.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).

Based on 16,006 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

B7 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,75427.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
16,00628.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
11,20628.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
7,04228.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,73729.0%

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 21 years old.

How the A4 B7 compares

At each age below, see how the A4 B7 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 47,323 tests across 12 Audi models, built around 2007 (18 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
6,75427.2%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
16,00628.0%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
11,20628.3%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
7,04228.8%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
3,73729.0%

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.

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

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

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension 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 A4 B7.

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.1%

    Lower fail rate: 24.1%, against 28.0% for the Audi A4 B7, both built around 2007.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,214 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Chrysler 300

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27%

    No clear edge over the Audi A4 B7 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,113 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz E-Class

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.5%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.9%

    Lower fail rate: 23.4%, against 28.0% for the Audi A4 B7, both built around 2007.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    5,172 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.1%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 24.0%, against 28.0% for the Audi A4 B7, both built around 2007.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,389 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

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.

How many are still registered

85%of all Audi A4 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

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.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

36 recalls in all

5 of the 36 A4 B7 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 3 more

Top concerns

  • Stop-drive Takata PSAN
  • If a front airbag is deployed it is possible that the gas generator housing in which the propellant is generated may bur
  • Replacing Takata passenger airbag

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

What has gone wrong on A4 B7 cars built around 2007

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,910 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
53%
Emissions
24%
Drivetrain
17%
Steering
2%
Bodywork
1%

Wear items

Tyres
54%
Lighting
44%
Brakes
37%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 13% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2007 (18 years old)

Engine sizes across all diesel A4 tests (not specific to B7).

1.4 to 2.0 litres29.2%8,627 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres27.2%1,186 tests
How A4 B7 cars have aged

How A4 B7 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1415161718192021Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (18,308 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (16,305 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (14,238 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (12,015 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (9,816 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (16,097 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (14,049 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (11,794 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (9,690 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (7,691 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (11,261 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (9,241 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (7,189 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (5,437 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (4,085 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (10,461 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (8,282 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 29.5% (6,331 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (4,876 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (3,737 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
How each part holds up as B7 cars age

How each part holds up as B7 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension53%56%56%48%
Brakes37%44%43%45%
Emissions24%25%23%20%
Tyres54%59%62%52%
Lighting44%52%54%54%
Drivetrain17%17%11%9%
Bodywork1%1%1%1%
Steering2%1%3%3%
Corrosion13%14%12%10%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 1,647 to 1,910 cars at each age.

B7 variants compared

A4 B7 variants built around 2007

The fail rate for each A4 B7 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • A428.9%9,820 tests

Petrol

  • A426.5%6,183 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Audi A4 models of this age

This list covers every Audi A4 built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B7 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    27.5%
    Advisory: 7,632Fail: 1,191 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    23.3%
    Advisory: 5,142Fail: 428 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    17.1%
    Advisory: 2,746Fail: 51 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    12.7%
    Advisory: 2,827Fail: 33 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.2%
    Advisory: 1,912Fail: 520 (21% of the times it was found)

Based on 16,006 tests

Looking at an Audi A4 B7?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the Audi A4 B7 (2004-2007) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 16,006 18-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 44,745 MOT tests on Audi A4 models first registered between 2004-2007. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.