2006 · 18 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2006 Audi A8 MOT pass rate and common faults

361 MOT tests in 2024. 77.8% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

139Well above average
Passed first time77.8%
Failed or needed repairs22.2%
Typical mileage at test146,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 361 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.3%
  2. Linkage pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.8%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.8%
  4. Position lamp: not working2.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.5%
    21 marked dangerous
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.9%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    6 marked dangerous
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.4%
  10. Stop lamp: not working1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics11.6%
  2. Suspension7.8%
  3. Brakes6.6%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%
  5. Tyres4.7%
  6. Emissions & leaks3.6%
  7. Body & chassis3.6%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.6%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn16.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine7.2%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.4%

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: suspension arms - 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 2006 Audi A8?

In 2024, 77.8% of 2006 Audi A8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 361 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Audi A8?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; linkage 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 2006 Audi A8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 139, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).