Audi A8 D3 (2003-2009) reliability
Audi A8 D3 built around 2008: about average at the MOT
Audi A8 D3 models built around 2008 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
Looking at an Audi A8 D3?
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Key figure
17% of MOT tests on Audi A8 D3 models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 20% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi A8 D3 models built around 2008 involves the suspension.
Based on 2,646 tests of A8 models registered 2003-2009.
About 1 in 20 A8 D3 MOTs (5.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 730 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.8% and 7.1%. 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 A8 D3 MOTs (5.2%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).
Based on 730 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 3.8% and 7.1%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
D3 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 19 years old.
How the A8 D3 compares
At each age below, see how the A8 D3 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 61,536 tests across 14 Audi models, built around 2008 (17 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 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.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
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 saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A8 D3.
- 1
Chrysler 300
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.3%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D3 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,092 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 2
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 21%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D3 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,033 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 3
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.1%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D3 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,065 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 4
Saab 9-3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 27.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 8%
- Dangerous
- 7.2%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D3 on these figures.
7,499 MOT tests on cars built around 2008
- 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.
How many are still registered
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 all3 of the 24 A8 D3 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 3 recalls
Top concerns
- Sunroof glass may become loose
- Air bag may not deploy in an impact
- Replace drivers airbag
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on A8 D3 cars built around 2008
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 92 cars.
How A8 D3 cars have aged
How A8 D3 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.
How each part holds up as D3 cars age
How each part holds up as D3 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 car | 17 years | 18 years | 19 years | 20 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 23% | 24% | 34% | 26% |
| Brakes | 21% | 30% | 30% | 24% |
| Emissions | 10% | 3% | 13% | 11% |
| Tyres | 39% | 52% | 43% | 52% |
| Lighting | 34% | 36% | 41% | 48% |
| Drivetrain | 3% | 9% | 6% | 3% |
| Bodywork | No figure | 1% | No figure | No figure |
| Steering | No figure | No figure | 3% | 2% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 1% | 0% |
Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 80 to 95 cars at each age.
D3 variants compared
Most common issues on Audi A8 models of this age
This list covers every Audi A8 built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the D3 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 124.1%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 222.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 39.2%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 48.4%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 57.4%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
Based on 730 tests
Looking at an Audi A8 D3?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Audi A8 D3 (2003-2009) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 730 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.