Audi A8 D4 (2010-2016) reliability
Audi A8 D4 built around 2016: about average at the MOT
Audi A8 D4 models built around 2016 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at an Audi A8 D4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
9% of MOT tests on Audi A8 D4 models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 13% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi A8 D4 models built around 2016 involves the tyres.
Based on 5,609 tests of A8 models registered 2010-2016.
About 1 in 50 A8 D4 MOTs (2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,004 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 40 A8 D4 MOTs (2.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).
Based on 1,004 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
D4 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 15 years old.
How the A8 D4 compares
At each age below, see how the A8 D4 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 180,406 tests across 14 Audi models, built around 2016 (9 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.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
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 saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A8 D4.
- 1
Lexus IS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.8%
- Dangerous
- 4.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.4%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D4 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,747 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- 2
Mercedes-Benz CLS
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 17.3%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 4.6%
- Dangerous
- 7.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 83.3%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D4 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,886 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- 3
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.6%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 3.5%
- Dangerous
- 4.6%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 74.5%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D4 on these figures.
5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,675 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- 4
BMW 7 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 2.9%
- Dangerous
- 4.8%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 79.9%
No clear edge over the Audi A8 D4 on these figures.
6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,204 MOT tests on cars built around 2016
- 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
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 all7 of the 24 A8 D4 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 7 recalls
Top concerns
- The mesh size of the oil strainer in the oil supply for both turbochargers is too small
- The engine compartment seal may become deformed and loose
- Fluid may leak out of the return hose for the hydraulic power steering
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
How A8 D4 cars have aged
How A8 D4 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.
D4 variants compared
A8 D4 variants built around 2016
The fail rate for each A8 D4 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Diesel
- A88.9%755 tests
Petrol
- A87.6%249 tests
Most common issues on Audi A8 models of this age
This list covers every Audi A8 built around 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the D4 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 114.0%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 26.5%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 34.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 44.1%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 53.9%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 1,004 tests
Looking at an Audi A8 D4?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Audi A8 D4 (2010-2016) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,004 9-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.