Audi A7 4K (2018-present) reliability
Audi A7 4K built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Audi A7 4K models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at an Audi A7 4K?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
12% of MOT tests on Audi A7 4K models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi A7 4K models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 4,985 tests of A7 models registered 2018+.
About 1 in 9 diesel A7 cars registered in 2022 (11.7%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 300 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 A7 4K MOTs (2.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 840 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.9% and 4.2%. 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 4K MOTs (4.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 840 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.5% and 6.4%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
4K fail rate by age
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 7 years old.
How the A7 4K compares
At each age below, see how the A7 4K holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 171,464 tests across 16 Audi models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
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 priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 4K.
- 1
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
More still registered at 10 years: 96%, against 84% for the Audi A7 4K.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
No clear edge over the Audi A7 4K on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
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 4K 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.
3,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Fiat 500
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.9%
No clear edge over the Audi A7 4K on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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.
Recall context
14 recalls in all8 of the 14 A7 4K recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 7 more
Top concerns
- Software update for battery control unit
- On certain vehicles an incorrect bracket for the side airbag was fitted in the left front seat.
- The fuel gauge may not show the drop in fuel level correctly during vehicle operation
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on A7 4K cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 78 cars.
How A7 4K cars have aged
How A7 4K 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as 4K cars age
How each part holds up as 4K cars age
The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 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 car | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3% | 8% | 2% |
| Brakes | 3% | 8% | 11% |
| Emissions | 10% | 8% | 6% |
| Tyres | 26% | 27% | 41% |
| Lighting | 2% | 5% | 2% |
| Drivetrain | No figure | No figure | 2% |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | 2% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 1% | 1% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 78 to 131 cars at each age.
4K variants compared
Most common issues on Audi A7 models of this age
This list covers every Audi A7 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 4K on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 115.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 27.1%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 36.9%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 45.5%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 55.5%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 1,642 tests
Looking at an Audi A7 4K?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Audi A7 4K (2018-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 840 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.