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Audi A8 reliability by build year

Coverage 2003-present3 named generationsSaloonPETROL / DIESEL

We've only got 806 MOT tests for Audi A8 models built around 2018 (7 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Audi A8 built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Audi A8 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check an Audi A8 by number plate

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Audi A8 models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 10% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A8 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Audi A8's most common MOT issues, turned into things to 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.

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your A8's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

D

D5 (2017-present)

Excellent
DIESELPETROL

7.4% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Likely between 5.8% and 9.5%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 806 MOT tests at this ageView details →
A8 D4

D4 (2010-2016)

Excellent
DIESELPETROL

8.6% fail rate, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 20.8%)

From 1,004 MOT tests at this ageView details →
D

D3 (2003-2009)

Excellent
DIESELPETROL

17.1% fail rate, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Likely between 14.6% and 20.0%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.2%)

From 730 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Audi A8.

See every build year for the Audi A8

Side-by-side

Audi A8 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
D5 (2017-present)
Excellent
Excellent7.4%likely between 5.8% and 9.5%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 806 MOT tests at this age
D4 (2010-2016)
Excellent
Excellent8.6%built around 2016 (9 years old)from 1,004 MOT tests at this age
D3 (2003-2009)
Excellent
Excellent17.1%likely between 14.6% and 20.0%built around 2008 (17 years old)from 730 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the A8, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Audi A8 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Audi A8 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
2375.1%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
3716.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
5137.4%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
9807.6%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
8067.4%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
8688.6%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
1,0048.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
9517.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
8799.4%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
76712.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
72912.9%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
61413.0%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
41013.9%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
46818.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
73017.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
46418.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
35819.8%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
27118.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
14917.4%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
9423.4%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
9619.8%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
9330.1%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
19125.1%

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 24 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Audi A8 models

These issues come from 7-year-old Audi A8 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

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

    11.4%
    Advisory: 148Fail: 10 (6% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.3%
    Advisory: 77Fail: 5 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    5.7%
    Advisory: 75Fail: 3 (4% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    5.6%
    Advisory: 62Fail: 1 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    4.2%
    Advisory: 50Fail: 11 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 806 MOT tests on 7-year-old Audi A8 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Audi A8 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Other + Tyres29%
  2. Brakes + Tyres26%
  3. Brakes + Other19%
  4. Tyres + Windscreen & wipers16%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 94 MOT tests on Audi A8 cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

84%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

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

24 recalls in all

All 24 Audi A8 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 23 more

Top concerns

  • Software update for battery control unit
  • Replacing front suspension link
  • The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small

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

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.4%
    Dangerous
    3.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.4%

    No clear edge over the Audi A8 on these figures.

    1,615 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    BMW M3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.2%
    Dangerous
    3.9%

    No clear edge over the Audi A8 on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,139 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Porsche Panamera

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4%
    Dangerous
    5.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    86.2%

    No clear edge over the Audi A8 on these figures.

    1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Mercedes-Benz CLS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    6.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.3%

    No clear edge over the Audi A8 on these figures.

    1,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Audi A8 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. It has the lowest fail rate of the 12 Audi models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 806 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Audi A8 ever sold: 12,043 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 806 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.