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Audi RS4 B7 (2006-2008) reliability

At a glance

Audi RS4 B7 built around 2007: fails its MOT less often than average

Audi RS4 B7 models built around 2007 fail their MOT 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 RS4 B7?

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

Key figure

14% of MOT tests on Audi RS4 B7 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi RS4 B7 models built around 2007 involves the suspension.

excellent reliability2006-2008EstatePETROL

Based on 888 tests of RS4 models registered 2006-2008.

About 1 in 12 RS4 B7 MOTs (7.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 552 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.7% and 10.1%. 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 40 RS4 B7 MOTs (2.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).

Based on 552 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 1.5% and 4.2%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

B7 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
16715.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
55214.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
16913.0%

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 RS4 B7 compares

At each age below, see how the RS4 B7 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 47,323 tests across 12 Audi models, built around 2007 (18 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
16715.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
55214.5%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
16913.0%

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 pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

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 estates to compare

Other estates, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the RS4 B7.

  1. 1

    Volvo V50

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    33.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.9%
    Dangerous
    10.7%

    No clear edge over the Audi RS4 B7 on these figures.

    3,173 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Volvo V70

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.7%
    Dangerous
    8.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.7%

    No clear edge over the Audi RS4 B7 on these figures.

    3,160 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Volvo XC70

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    11.6%
    Dangerous
    8.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    97.7%

    More still registered at 10 years: 98%, against 92% for the Audi RS4 B7.

    1,435 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

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

92%of all Audi RS4 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

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

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Audi RS4 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

How RS4 B7 cars have aged

How RS4 B7 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%20%141516171819Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (381 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (370 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (346 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (333 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 15.0% (321 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (246 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (233 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (206 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 15.4% (195 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (169 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
B7 variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Audi RS4 models of this age

This list covers every Audi RS4 built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B7 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    12.0%
    Advisory: 114Fail: 12 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    8.3%
    Advisory: 69Fail: 1 (1% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    8.0%
    Advisory: 70Fail: 3 (4% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Minor

    Suspension ball joint dust cover badly deteriorated

    6.5%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    6.2%
    Advisory: 47Fail: 2 (4% of the times it was found)

Based on 552 tests

Looking at an Audi RS4 B7?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the Audi RS4 B7 (2006-2008) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 552 18-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 888 MOT tests on Audi RS4 models first registered between 2006-2008. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.