2005 · 19 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2005 Audi A8 MOT pass rate and common faults

330 MOT tests in 2024. 76.1% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

135Well above average
Passed first time76.1%
Failed or needed repairs23.9%
Typical mileage at test139,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 330 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.3%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.7%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.4%
    14 marked dangerous
  5. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.8%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.5%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
    4 marked dangerous
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics14.2%
  2. Brakes10.6%
  3. Suspension7.9%
  4. Tyres6.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.2%
  8. Body & chassis3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.9%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn16.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.1%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine8.8%
  5. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.7%

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: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. 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 2005 Audi A8?

In 2024, 76.1% of 2005 Audi A8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 330 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Audi A8?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; 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 2005 Audi A8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 135, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).