At a Glance
The Audi A4 has 3 identified common problems across 5 generations, with the B8 (2007-2016) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 5.2M 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 A4 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 A4 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 A4 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
B5
Most common MOT failure: Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn
B6
Top issue: Flexible brake hose damaged
B7
Top issue: Compression ignition emissions above threshold
B8
Top issue: Headlamp washer not working
B9
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Audi A4 MOT Failures
Every reason Audi A4 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 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.98% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.57% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 7.28% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.81% |
| 5 | Driveshaft fault | 5.76% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.75% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.10% |
| 8 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 4.08% |
| 9 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.80% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.05% |
| 11 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.00% |
| 12 | Track rod end worn | 2.84% |
| 13 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.50% |
| 14 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.26% |
| 15 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.15% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.98% |
| 17 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.91% |
| 18 | Front lamp not working | 1.89% |
| 19 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.49% |
| 20 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.36% |
| 21 | Airbag warning light on | 1.31% |
| 22 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.29% |
| 23 | Exhaust system fault | 1.28% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 1.19% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 1.12% |
| 26 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 1.11% |
| 27 | Rear lamp not working | 1.08% |
| 28 | Indicator fault | 1.03% |
| 29 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.94% |
| 30 | ABS fault | 0.92% |
| 31 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.88% |
| 32 | Rear suspension fault | 0.88% |
| 33 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.53% |
| 34 | Fog lamp not working | 0.47% |
| 35 | Seat belt condition | 0.44% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.39% |
| 37 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.35% |
| 38 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.31% |
| 39 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.31% |
| 40 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.30% |
| 41 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.30% |
| 42 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.26% |
| 43 | Front suspension fault | 0.26% |
| 44 | Horn not working | 0.19% |
| 45 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.16% |
| 46 | Brake caliper fault | 0.16% |
| 47 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.14% |
| 48 | Parking brake condition | 0.14% |
| 49 | Brake fluid leak | 0.14% |
| 50 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.13% |
| 51 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.11% |
| 52 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 53 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 54 | CV joint worn | 0.10% |
| 55 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.09% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 57 | Driver airbag fault | 0.08% |
| 58 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.08% |
| 59 | Engine oil leak | 0.08% |
| 60 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 61 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 62 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 63 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 64 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 65 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 66 | Electrical switch fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 70 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 71 | Brake pedal fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 73 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 75 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 76 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 77 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 78 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 79 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 80 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 81 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 83 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 85 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 91 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 92 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 94 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 96 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 98 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.02% |
| 100 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Chassis condition | 0.02% |
| 102 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 106 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 107 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.01% |
| 108 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 109 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 111 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 112 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 119 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 120 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 127 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 129 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 130 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 131 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 136 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 143 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 150 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 151 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 162 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 165 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 172 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 180 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 181 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 182 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 186 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 189 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 190 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 191 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 192 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 193 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 196 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 196 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Audi A4 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Audi A4, 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 A4 problems?
Based on analysis of 5.2M Audi A4 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 3 identified common problems across 5 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Compression ignition emissions above threshold". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Audi A4 generation has the most problems?
The Audi A4 B8 (2007-2016) (2007–2016) has the highest number of identified common problems (2). 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 A4?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Audi A4 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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