At a Glance
Audi has 114 identified common problems across 29 models, with the 80 being the most affected model and electrical the most common problem category. Based on 20.1M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Audi common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 20.1M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Audi models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Audi Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 29 Audi models.
A3
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
A4
Most common: Suspension
A6
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Tt
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
A1
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
A5
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Q3
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Q5
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Q7
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Most Common Audi MOT Failures
Every reason Audi vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 10.37% |
| 2 | Tyre condition | 9.53% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.32% |
| 4 | Driveshaft fault | 5.89% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.23% |
| 6 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.38% |
| 7 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.37% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.98% |
| 9 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.79% |
| 10 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.31% |
| 11 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.88% |
| 12 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.27% |
| 13 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.11% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.97% |
| 15 | Track rod end worn | 1.92% |
| 16 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.92% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.85% |
| 18 | Front lamp not working | 1.75% |
| 19 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.63% |
| 20 | Headlamp fault | 1.55% |
| 21 | Exhaust system fault | 1.54% |
| 22 | Position lamp not working | 1.47% |
| 23 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.45% |
| 24 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.43% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 1.13% |
| 26 | Airbag warning light on | 1.05% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.83% |
| 28 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.83% |
| 29 | ABS fault | 0.82% |
| 30 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.76% |
| 31 | Rear lamp not working | 0.74% |
| 32 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.61% |
| 33 | Fog lamp not working | 0.52% |
| 34 | Seat belt condition | 0.49% |
| 35 | Rear suspension fault | 0.47% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.41% |
| 37 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.38% |
| 38 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.34% |
| 39 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.33% |
| 40 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.32% |
| 41 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.27% |
| 42 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.25% |
| 43 | Front suspension fault | 0.23% |
| 44 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.22% |
| 45 | Horn not working | 0.22% |
| 46 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.21% |
| 47 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.19% |
| 48 | Brake caliper fault | 0.15% |
| 49 | Parking brake condition | 0.15% |
| 50 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 51 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.14% |
| 52 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.13% |
| 53 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 54 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.13% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.12% |
| 56 | Brake fluid leak | 0.12% |
| 57 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.09% |
| 58 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 60 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 61 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 62 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 63 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.07% |
| 64 | CV joint worn | 0.06% |
| 65 | Brake pedal fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Electrical switch fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.06% |
| 68 | Propshaft fault | 0.06% |
| 69 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 70 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 71 | Driver airbag fault | 0.06% |
| 72 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 73 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Brake lever fault | 0.05% |
| 75 | Front passenger door fault | 0.05% |
| 76 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 77 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 78 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 79 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 81 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Driver door fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 86 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Electric power steering fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 89 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 91 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 94 | Body security fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 100 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 101 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 102 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 106 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 107 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.01% |
| 108 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 110 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 113 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 114 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 125 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 126 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 128 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 129 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 131 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 134 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 135 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 139 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 148 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 155 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 157 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 159 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 166 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 170 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 171 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 175 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 176 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 177 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 178 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 179 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 182 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 186 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 188 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 191 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 192 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 194 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 197 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 198 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 199 | Footrest damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 200 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 201 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 202 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 202 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Audi MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Audi, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi problems?
Based on analysis of 20.1M Audi MOT tests from DVSA data, Audi has 114 identified common problems across 29 models. The Audi 80 has the most recorded problems. Electrical issues are the most common category.
Which Audi model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Audi 80 has the highest count with 32 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Audi models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Audi?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Audi owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
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