Audi S4 B8 (2009-2015) reliability
Audi S4 B8 built around 2012: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Audi S4 B8 models built around 2012 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at an Audi S4 B8?
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.
Based on 814 tests of S4 models registered 2009-2015.
B8 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 14 years old.
How the S4 B8 compares
At each age below, see how the S4 B8 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 116,552 tests across 16 Audi models, built around 2012 (13 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.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
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 S4 B8.
- 1
Volkswagen Jetta
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 26.1%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 84.6%
No clear edge over the Audi S4 B8 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,638 MOT tests on cars built around 2012
- 2
Honda Accord
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 22.8%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.2%
- Dangerous
- 7.2%
No clear edge over the Audi S4 B8 on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,525 MOT tests on cars built around 2012
- 3
Volvo S60
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 5.5%
- Dangerous
- 7.5%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 75.8%
No clear edge over the Audi S4 B8 on these figures.
4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
2,023 MOT tests on cars built around 2012
- 4
BMW 3 Series
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 24.4%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 6.5%
- Dangerous
- 7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89.8%
No clear edge over the Audi S4 B8 on these figures.
15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
37,516 MOT tests on cars built around 2012
- 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 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.
How S4 B8 cars have aged
How S4 B8 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.
Most common issues on Audi S4 models of this age
This list covers every Audi S4 built around 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B8 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 122.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 221.1%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 39.8%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 45.7%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 55.7%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Based on 123 tests
Looking at an Audi S4 B8?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Audi S4 B8 (2009-2015) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 123 13-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.