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Audi A7 4G (2010-2017) reliability

At a glance

Audi A7 4G built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Audi A7 4G models built around 2017 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at an Audi A7 4G?

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

Key figure

13% of MOT tests on Audi A7 4G models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A7 4G models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Audi A7 4G
excellent reliability2010-2017HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 14,529 tests of A7 models registered 2010-2017.

About 1 in 30 A7 4G MOTs (3.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,263 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 20 A7 4G MOTs (5.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 2,263 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

4G fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
80211.0%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,26313.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,53213.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,27313.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,17016.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,79615.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,74317.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
95017.5%

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 13 years old.

How the A7 4G compares

At each age below, see how the A7 4G holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 185,354 tests across 14 Audi models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
80211.0%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,26313.0%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
2,53213.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
2,27313.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,17016.8%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
1,79615.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,74317.5%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
95017.5%

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A7 4G.

  1. 1

    Suzuki SX4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.8%

    No clear edge over the Audi A7 4G on these figures.

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

    3,903 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    More still registered at 10 years: 96%, against 84% for the Audi A7 4G.

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

    54,388 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Fiat 500

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.8%

    No clear edge over the Audi A7 4G on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,258 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    MG 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.1%

    No clear edge over the Audi A7 4G 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.

    3,603 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
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

84%of all Audi A7 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

14 recalls in all

9 of the 14 A7 4G recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 9 recalls

Top concerns

  • The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small
  • Vehicles may have been fitted with a hinged towing bracket on which the locking mechanism in the hinge module could be f
  • Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator

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

How A7 4G cars have aged

How A7 4G 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%468101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 11.0% (1,272 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.2% (1,191 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.1% (1,108 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,116 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (1,054 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (1,793 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (1,681 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (1,617 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.6% (1,567 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (1,507 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.0% (1,472 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,464 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (1,361 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (1,313 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (1,277 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.8% (1,407 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (1,353 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.7% (1,334 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (1,284 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (1,227 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 13.9% (1,472 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (1,462 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (1,402 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (1,280 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (1,248 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (1,056 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.4% (1,016 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 14.9% (949 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (886 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (825 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (1,160 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 16.3% (1,120 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 17.3% (1,055 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (893 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (790 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
4G variants compared

A7 4G variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each A7 4G variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • A713.3%2,046 tests

Petrol

  • A79.3%216 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Audi A7 models of this age

This list covers every Audi A7 built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 4G 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

    15.3%
    Advisory: 482Fail: 56 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    8.2%
    Advisory: 267Fail: 46 (15% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    7.3%
    Advisory: 125Fail: 109 (47% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    5.2%
    Advisory: 123Fail: 16 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    4.5%
    Advisory: 147Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,263 tests

Looking at an Audi A7 4G?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Audi A7 4G (2010-2017) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,263 8-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 14,529 MOT tests on Audi A7 models first registered between 2010-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.