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Audi R8 Mk1 (42) (2007-2014) reliability

Not enough data

Audi R8 Mk1 (42) built around 2014: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Audi R8 Mk1 (42) models built around 2014 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Looking at an Audi R8 Mk1 (42) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

2007-2014CoupePETROL

Based on 2,569 tests of R8 models registered 2007-2014.

Mk1 (42) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1266.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2436.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
25910.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2218.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3549.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
32612.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
41011.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
54513.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
8510.6%

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 17 years old.

How the R8 Mk1 (42) compares

At each age below, see how the R8 Mk1 (42) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 160,646 tests across 18 Audi models, built around 2014 (11 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
1266.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2436.2%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
25910.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
2218.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
3549.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
32612.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
41011.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
54513.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
8510.6%

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 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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

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.

Other coupes to compare

Other coupes, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the R8 Mk1 (42).

  1. 1

    Porsche 911

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    5.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    1.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94%

    No clear edge over the Audi R8 Mk1 (42) on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,499 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  2. 2

    Volkswagen Scirocco

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.4%
    Dangerous
    7.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    No clear edge over the Audi R8 Mk1 (42) on these figures.

    5,200 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  3. 3

    Peugeot RCZ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.9%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.9%

    No clear edge over the Audi R8 Mk1 (42) on these figures.

    2,444 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

  4. 4

    Toyota GT86

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.6%
    Dangerous
    4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.8%

    No clear edge over the Audi R8 Mk1 (42) on these figures.

    1,360 MOT tests on cars built around 2014

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

Not enough registration data to show this for the Audi R8.

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.

Recall context

6 recalls in all

1 of the 6 R8 Mk1 (42) recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Replacing Takata driver airbag

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

How R8 Mk1 (42) cars have aged

How R8 Mk1 (42) 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.

0%10%7911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 7.5% (160 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 6.8% (147 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 6.7% (134 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 3.0% (134 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 5.9% (135 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 11.1% (162 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 7.8% (154 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (152 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 2.2% (134 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 8.7% (150 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 9.4% (127 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (95 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 9.0% (89 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (87 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 8.2% (85 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (199 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 13.6% (199 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 9.4% (180 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (178 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 11.9% (176 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (208 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 8.6% (186 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (179 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 5.3% (169 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (185 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (196 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 10.5% (191 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 9.7% (186 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (186 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 8.9% (180 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 12.4% (411 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 12.8% (407 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 9.8% (367 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (381 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (348 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 15.8% (133 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 10.8% (120 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (107 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 12.5% (88 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (85 tests, 2025 data)2007
First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012First registered around 2011
Mk1 (42) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common issues on Audi R8 models of this age

This list covers every Audi R8 built around 2014, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (42) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    6.6%
    Advisory: 23Fail: 3 (12% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    5.3%
    Advisory: 27Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    4.9%
    Advisory: 15Fail: 1 (6% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    3.3%
    Advisory: 14Fail: 1 (7% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    3.3%
    Advisory: 8Fail: 1 (11% of the times it was found)

Based on 243 tests

Looking at an Audi R8 Mk1 (42) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2014 (11 years old), the Audi R8 Mk1 (42) (2007-2014) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 243 11-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 2,569 MOT tests on Audi R8 models first registered between 2007-2014. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.