2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Audi A8 MOT pass rate and common faults

690 MOT tests in 2024. 87.4% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

136Well above average
Passed first time87.4%
Failed or needed repairs12.6%
Typical mileage at test112,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 690 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    29 marked dangerous
  2. Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator1.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
    12 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    6 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.6%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn0.6%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.6%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.6%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres4.6%
  2. Lights & electrics2.9%
  3. Brakes2.8%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.6%
  5. Suspension1.9%
  6. Body & chassis1.6%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.7%
  8. Steering0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.3%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.4%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.7%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine4.8%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2012 Audi A8?

In 2024, 87.4% of 2012 Audi A8 cars passed their MOT first time, across 690 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Audi A8?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: worn down to wear indicator; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2012 Audi A8 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 136, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).