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Audi A4 B8 (2008-2014) reliability

At a glance

Audi A4 B8 built around 2014: about average at the MOT

Audi A4 B8 models built around 2014 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at an Audi A4 B8?

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

Key figure

21% of MOT tests on Audi A4 B8 models built around 2014 ended in a fail (retests included), against 21% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A4 B8 models built around 2014 involves the suspension.

Audi A4 B8
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2008-2014SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 127,577 tests of A4 models registered 2008-2014.

About 1 in 20 A4 B8 MOTs (4.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2014 (11 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 21,321 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 B8 MOTs (6.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2014 (11 years old).

Based on 21,321 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

B8 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
9,30421.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
21,32121.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
19,38421.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
17,35623.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
17,01325.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
16,53426.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
16,82827.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,83728.0%

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 17 years old.

How the A4 B8 compares

At each age below, see how the A4 B8 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 160,646 tests across 18 Audi models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
9,30421.6%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
21,32121.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
19,38421.9%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
17,35623.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
17,01325.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
16,53426.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
16,82827.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,83728.0%

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 pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

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 B8.

  1. 1

    Volkswagen Jetta

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    84.6%

    No clear edge over the Audi A4 B8 on these figures.

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

    1,474 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.4%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 18.1%, against 21.3% for the Audi A4 B8, both built around 2014.

    1,199 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    6.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 17.7%, against 21.3% for the Audi A4 B8, both built around 2014.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,200 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    BMW 3 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    6.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.8%

    No clear edge over the Audi A4 B8 on these figures.

    15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    41,954 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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

32 recalls in all

11 of the 32 A4 B8 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 7 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
  • Risk of overheating and failure of additional coolant pump

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

How A4 B8 cars have aged

How A4 B8 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%7911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (13,475 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (13,395 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (13,194 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (12,901 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (12,719 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 18.2% (13,033 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (12,976 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (12,693 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.3% (12,371 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 21.8% (12,085 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (11,283 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (11,103 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (10,716 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (10,390 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (9,975 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (12,150 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (11,830 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (11,409 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (10,885 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (10,380 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (12,290 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (11,881 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (11,369 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (10,550 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (9,860 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (12,774 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (11,847 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (11,239 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (10,077 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (8,911 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (16,699 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (15,391 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (13,602 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (11,745 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (9,837 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
B8 variants compared

A4 B8 variants built around 2014

The fail rate for each A4 B8 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • A422.2%18,259 tests

Petrol

  • A416.6%3,048 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 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B8 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    21.3%
    Advisory: 6,494Fail: 701 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    18.9%
    Advisory: 6,385Fail: 1,058 (14% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.3%
    Advisory: 2,050Fail: 328 (14% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    8.5%
    Advisory: 1,805Fail: 710 (28% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    8.4%
    Advisory: 1,856Fail: 364 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 21,321 tests

Looking at an Audi A4 B8?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Audi A4 B8 (2008-2014) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 21,321 11-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 127,577 MOT tests on Audi A4 models first registered between 2008-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.