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Audi S4 reliability by build year

Coverage 2004-20243 named generationsSaloonDIESEL / PETROL

We've only got 611 MOT tests for Audi S4 models built around 2020 (5 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Audi S4 built around 2020: about average at the MOT

Audi S4 models built around 2020 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Check an Audi S4 by number plate

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Audi S4 models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi S4 models built around 2020 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Audi S4's most common MOT issues, turned into things to 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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your S4's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

S4 B9

B9 (2016-2024)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESEL

8.8% fail rate, built around 2020 (5 years old)

Likely between 6.8% and 11.4%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 8 MOTs, 12.8%)

From 611 MOT tests at this ageView details →
B

B8 (2009-2015)

Excellent
PETROL

16.3% fail rate, built around 2012 (13 years old)

Likely between 10.8% and 23.8%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 27.7%)

From 123 MOT tests at this ageView details →
B

B7 (2004-2008)

Excellent
PETROL

20.1% fail rate, built around 2005 (20 years old)

Likely between 15.0% and 26.5%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.3%)

From 184 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Audi S4.

See every build year for the Audi S4

Side-by-side

Audi S4 generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
B9 (2016-2024)
No ratingNot enough tests to rate
No ratingNot enough tests to rate8.8%likely between 6.8% and 11.4%built around 2020 (5 years old)from 611 MOT tests at this age
B8 (2009-2015)
Excellent
Excellent16.3%likely between 10.8% and 23.8%built around 2012 (13 years old)from 123 MOT tests at this age
B7 (2004-2008)
Excellent
Excellent20.1%likely between 15.0% and 26.5%built around 2005 (20 years old)from 184 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the S4, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Audi S4 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Audi S4 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
2037.9%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
3639.1%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
6118.8%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
9410.6%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
6212.9%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
9711.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
6612.1%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
12316.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
21820.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
18818.1%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
659.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5119.6%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
13124.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
14122.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
18420.1%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
10321.4%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
8815.9%

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 18 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 5-year-old Audi S4 models

These issues come from 5-year-old Audi S4 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    13.9%
    Advisory: 128Fail: 12 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.9%
    Advisory: 64Fail: 4 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    7.2%
    Advisory: 69Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    5.4%
    Advisory: 43Fail: 7 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    5.2%
    Advisory: 31Fail: 17 (35% of the times it was found)

Based on 611 MOT tests on 5-year-old Audi S4 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 5-year-old Audi S4 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelNot much data
  1. Brakes + Tyres36%
  2. Brakes + Suspension17%
  3. Suspension + Tyres14%
  4. Other + Tyres13%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 76 MOT tests on Audi S4 cars built around 2020 (5 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Audi S4.

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

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Audi S4 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Tesla Model 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.1%
    Dangerous
    9.5%

    No clear edge over the Audi S4 on these figures.

    21,865 MOT tests on cars built around 2020

  2. 2

    Mazda 6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    4.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.3%, against 2.3% for the Audi S4.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,568 MOT tests on cars built around 2020

  3. 3

    Volvo S90

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    6.3%

    No clear edge over the Audi S4 on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,581 MOT tests on cars built around 2020

  4. 4

    Alfa Romeo Giulia

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    4.5%

    No clear edge over the Audi S4 on these figures.

    1,198 MOT tests on cars built around 2020

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Audi S4 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 611 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Audi S4 ever sold: 2,788 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2020 (5 years old): 611 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.