2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Audi A8 MOT pass rate and common faults

189 MOT tests in 2024. 71.4% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

127Well above average
Passed first time71.4%
Failed or needed repairs28.6%
Typical mileage at test134,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 189 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.7%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.6%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.6%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.6%
  5. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.6%
    3 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.6%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    4 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.6%
  10. Brake performance not tested: unable to be tested1.6%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics14.8%
  2. Brakes12.2%
  3. Suspension9.0%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  6. Body & chassis5.3%
  7. Tyres4.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.5%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn15.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.5%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Audi A8?

In 2024, 71.4% of 2004 Audi A8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 189 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Audi A8?

The most common failure reasons were linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Audi A8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 127, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).