At a Glance
The Audi 80 has 31 identified common problems across 4 generations (1972–1995), with the B4 (1991-1995) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 164K 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Audi 80 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Audi 80 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Audi 80 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
B1
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
B2
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
B3
Top issue: Fog lamp not working
B4
Top issue: Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn
Most Common Audi 80 MOT Failures
Every reason Audi 80 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 | 10.57% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 8.07% |
| 3 | Brake disc or drum worn | 6.54% |
| 4 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.99% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.88% |
| 6 | Stop lamp not working | 4.56% |
| 7 | Front lamp not working | 4.46% |
| 8 | Exhaust system fault | 4.36% |
| 9 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 3.89% |
| 10 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.80% |
| 11 | Driveshaft fault | 3.79% |
| 12 | Tyre condition | 3.52% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.51% |
| 14 | Number plate lamp not working | 3.22% |
| 15 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.20% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.87% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 2.82% |
| 18 | Rear suspension fault | 1.86% |
| 19 | MacPherson strut worn | 1.54% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 1.41% |
| 21 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.10% |
| 22 | Rear lamp not working | 1.00% |
| 23 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.72% |
| 24 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.71% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 0.61% |
| 26 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.60% |
| 27 | Front suspension fault | 0.59% |
| 28 | Parking brake condition | 0.59% |
| 29 | Steering rack fault | 0.54% |
| 30 | Seat belt condition | 0.52% |
| 31 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.44% |
| 32 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.38% |
| 33 | Horn not working | 0.36% |
| 34 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.36% |
| 35 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.33% |
| 36 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.32% |
| 37 | Brake fluid leak | 0.32% |
| 38 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.31% |
| 39 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.31% |
| 40 | Position lamp not working | 0.29% |
| 41 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.29% |
| 42 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.27% |
| 43 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.27% |
| 44 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.26% |
| 45 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 46 | CV joint worn | 0.22% |
| 47 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 48 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 49 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.18% |
| 50 | ABS fault | 0.17% |
| 51 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.17% |
| 52 | Headlamp fault | 0.16% |
| 53 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.16% |
| 54 | Brake pedal fault | 0.14% |
| 55 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.13% |
| 56 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 57 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.12% |
| 58 | Power steering pump fault | 0.12% |
| 59 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 60 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.10% |
| 61 | Steering arm worn | 0.10% |
| 62 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 63 | Airbag warning light on | 0.09% |
| 64 | Chassis condition | 0.09% |
| 65 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.08% |
| 66 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.08% |
| 68 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.07% |
| 69 | Body security fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Steering lock fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 72 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.06% |
| 73 | Steering column fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 75 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.05% |
| 76 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Suspension unit fault | 0.05% |
| 78 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.05% |
| 79 | Steering free play excessive | 0.05% |
| 80 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 81 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 83 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 84 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 85 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 88 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 89 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 92 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 93 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 94 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Speedometer fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Towbar fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.02% |
| 98 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 99 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 104 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 105 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.01% |
| 106 | Front passenger door fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 108 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 117 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 119 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 123 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 128 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 146 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 148 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 155 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 157 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 160 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 162 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
Showing all 164 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Audi 80 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Audi 80, 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 80 problems?
Based on analysis of 164K Audi 80 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 31 identified common problems across 4 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Audi 80 generation has the most problems?
The Audi 80 B4 (1991-1995) (1991–1995) has the highest number of identified common problems (45). Click the generation card above for the 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 80?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Audi 80 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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