Audi A8 D5 (2017-present) reliability
Audi A8 D5 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Audi A8 D5 models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at an Audi A8 D5?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
7% of MOT tests on Audi A8 D5 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 D5 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 3,366 tests of A8 models registered 2017+.
About 1 in 25 diesel A8 cars registered in 2022 (4.4%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 135 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 50 A8 D5 MOTs (1.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 806 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.1% and 3.0%. 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 30 A8 D5 MOTs (3.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 806 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.1% and 4.5%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
D5 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 6 years old.
How the A8 D5 compares
At each age below, see how the A8 D5 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 saloons to compare
Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A8 D5.
- 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 D5 on these figures.
1,615 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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 D5 on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,139 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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 D5 on these figures.
1,105 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 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 D5 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.
Recall context
24 recalls in all11 of the 24 A8 D5 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 10 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.
What has gone wrong on A8 D5 cars built around 2018
The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 70 cars.
How A8 D5 cars have aged
How A8 D5 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 D5 cars age
How each part holds up as D5 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | No figure | 7% | No figure |
| Emissions | 2% | 3% | 4% |
| Tyres | 10% | 21% | 24% |
| Lighting | 2% | No figure | No figure |
Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 54 to 70 cars at each age.
D5 variants compared
Most common issues on Audi A8 models of this age
This list covers every Audi A8 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the D5 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 111.4%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 27.3%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 35.7%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 45.6%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.2%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Based on 806 tests
Looking at an Audi A8 D5?
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 A8 D5 (2017-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 806 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.