What is the Audi A4 MOT pass rate at 5–10 years?

In the 2016–2021 registration band, the Audi A4 shows an 86.5% MOT pass rate across about 478,000 recorded DVSA tests in this dataset.

How does the A4 compare with the BMW 3 Series on MOT pass rate?

In this same age band snapshot, the BMW 320 stem posts a higher pass rate than the A4, but sample sizes and model mixes differ. Use the interactive compare tool for a like-for-like decision.

Does this page replace an Audi dealer inspection?

No. It is model-level MOT research to inform your shortlist. Always inspect the specific car and review its individual MOT history.

Model research report · 2016–2021

Audi A4

The Audi A4 MOT pass rate for cars first registered 2016–2021 is 86.5% across 478,423 official UK DVSA tests. This report then covers more than 581,693 recorded defect notes for Audi A4 models in that registration band. It shows common faults, MOT pass rates and maintenance trends to help you research the model before you buy.

Unlike a registration check, this report analyses how thousands of similar Audi A4 models have performed at MOT over time — not just one vehicle.

86.5%
MOT pass rateshare of recorded tests that passed: 478k
MOT tests analysed478,423 official DVSA records: 582k
defect notes recorded581,693 · advisory to dangerous: 2016–21
registration yearssnapshot 23 July 2026

A fleet outcome for Audi A4 models registered 2016–2021 — not a reliability score, and not a verdict on one car. Always check the specific vehicle.

Key findings

What the MOT record says about the Audi A4

86.5% MOT pass rate across 478,423 tests.
62% of recorded defect notes relate to owner maintenance.
Tyres account for the largest volume of recorded MOT issues.
Engine management (MIL) warnings are the most common recurring systemic issue.
Headlamp alignment appears throughout the vehicle's life, from low to higher mileages.

Failure breakdown

How Audi A4 MOT failures break down

Share of recorded defect notes by category in this age band — not MOT tests and not number of vehicles.

Owner maintenance359,821 notes
61.9%
Wear & tear93,721 notes
16.1%
Systemic13,071 notes
2.2%
Other115,080 notes
19.8%

Advisory

470,042

81% of notes

Minor

21,046

4% of notes

Major

56,071

10% of notes

Dangerous

34,534

6% of notes

Most common owner-maintenance faults

DVSA wording grouped as owner maintenance for this model and age band.

1
Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
155,195 notes5.2.3 (e)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Tread is close to (or at) the legal minimum, or wear is concentrated on an edge. That often points to alignment, pressure or suspension issues as well as simple age.
Why it happens
Under-inflation, poor alignment, aggressive driving or simply delayed replacement push tread below a safe/legal profile.
Buyer tip
Measure tread across the full width, check tyre age (DOT date) and look for uneven inner-edge wear.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
2
Shock absorbers has light misting of oil
9,673 notes5.3.2 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
3
Headlamp aim too low
5,994 notes4.1.2 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
This MOT defect usually indicates incorrect headlamp alignment following adjustment, suspension movement or repair work.
Why it happens
Aim drifts after suspension work, bumper repairs, bulb changes or simply from road vibration over time.
Buyer tip
Check beam alignment during inspection and ask whether the lamps were aimed after any recent suspension or bodywork.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
4
Windscreen washer not working
2,501 notes3.5 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Washer jets are not delivering fluid. Testers need a clear screen; empty reservoirs, blocked jets or failed pumps are common.
Why it happens
Empty bottles, frozen/blocked jets, split pipes or a failed pump stop fluid reaching the screen.
Buyer tip
Top up fluid, test the jets on the driveway, and check for cracked bottles or split pipes in the engine bay.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
5
Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative
1,715 notes5.2.3 (h)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The tyre pressure monitoring system is reporting a fault or is clearly not working, so you may not get a dashboard warning of under-inflation.
Why it happens
Flat battery sensors after tyre changes, damaged valves or control-module faults are common.
Buyer tip
Confirm whether sensors need replacing after recent tyre or wheel work, and check pressures manually anyway.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
6
Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault
1,211 notes7.1.6 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The airbag/SRS warning lamp indicates a fault. Restraint systems may not deploy correctly in a collision.
Why it happens
Clock-spring, sensor or module faults — sometimes after prior accident repairs — set SRS warnings.
Buyer tip
Require a specialist SRS diagnosis — do not accept a bulb removed or lamp covered up.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
7
Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush
425 notes5.3.2 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually maintenance related
8
Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions
292 notes5.2.3 (i)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A tyre is fitted against its sidewall instructions (for example direction of rotation or inside/outside face).
Why it happens
Fitting errors at tyre change — directionals or asymmetric tyres mounted the wrong way round.
Buyer tip
Ask a tyre fitter to confirm orientation marks before you accept the car.
Severity
Usually maintenance related

Most common wear & tear faults

DVSA wording grouped as wear and tear for this model and age band.

1
Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush
22 notes5.3.2 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A damper mounting bush is worn, which can cause knocks, vague handling and accelerated tyre wear.
Why it happens
Rubber bushes harden and tear with age, road salt and repeated suspension movement.
Buyer tip
Listen for clunks over speed bumps and have a mechanic check top mounts and lower bushes.
Severity
Usually wear related
2
Suspension component leaking rearbush
6 notes5.3.5 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A hydraulic suspension bush or related component is leaking fluid, which can change geometry and ride quality.
Why it happens
Hydraulic bush membranes split with age, leaking fluid and softening the mount.
Buyer tip
Look under the car for damp bushes and ask for specialist inspection on air/hydraulic systems.
Severity
Usually wear related
3
Service brake excessively binding Wheel bearing not tested
3 notes1.2.1 (f)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
4
Brake pedal wearing smooth anti-slip rubber worn on edge
2 notes1.1.2 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The brake pedal rubber is worn smooth, reducing grip for your foot in the wet.
Why it happens
The pedal rubber wears through with daily use and is often left until an MOT flags it.
Buyer tip
A new pedal rubber is inexpensive — treat smooth pedals as a quick owner-maintenance fix.
Severity
Usually wear related
5
Emissions unable to be completed due to exhaust leak
2 notes8.2.2.2 (e)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
6
Brake performance unable to be tested Due to worn brakes
2 notes1.2.1 (g)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Service brake performance could not be fully verified, or a brake is binding/fluctuating. That often points to worn discs, seized calipers or hub issues.
Why it happens
Seized caliper slides, worn discs or contaminated friction material upset brake balance.
Buyer tip
Insist on a road test and a proper brake inspection; unresolved binding can destroy pads and hubs.
Severity
Usually wear related
7
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak sign of leak gas around dpf and turbo
2 notes8.2.2.1 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related
8
Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak
1 notes8.2.1.1 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Emissions could not be completed cleanly, or a leak is likely to upset the reading. Common causes include exhaust leaks, misfires, DPF issues or an engine that will not idle correctly.
Why it happens
Leaks before the sample point, misfires, DPF problems or unstable idle prevent a valid emissions result.
Buyer tip
Listen for blow-by at joints, check for recent exhaust/DPF work, and avoid cars that need “easier” emissions excuses.
Severity
Usually wear related

Most common systemic faults

DVSA wording grouped as systemic patterns for this model and age band.

1
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
2,632 notes8.2.2.2 (g)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
2
Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction
1,667 notes8.2.1.2 (h)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The engine management warning lamp is on or not working. Stored faults can affect emissions, drivability and future MOT results.
Why it happens
Sensors, emissions equipment or wiring faults store codes that illuminate the MIL.
Buyer tip
Ask for a diagnostic printout and proof that the underlying fault — not just the lamp — was fixed.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
3
Brake pipe excessively corroded
175 notes1.1.11 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
A brake pipe is damaged or heavily corroded. Pipe failure can cause sudden loss of braking effort.
Why it happens
Road salt, stone chips and age corrode metal pipes, especially along the underbody.
Buyer tip
Inspect metal pipes along the underbody and near calipers; corroded pipes should be replaced before you rely on the car.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
4
Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread cracked
60 notes0.1 (b)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The number plate is cracked, deteriorated or hard to read. Plates must remain legible and securely fitted.
Why it happens
Age, stone chips, poor replacements or mounts that flex crack or fade plates.
Buyer tip
Budget for legal replacement plates; check fixing and any bike-rack or tow-bar obstruction.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
5
Steering system excessively rough
20 notes2.1.1 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The steering feels rough through its travel, which can indicate wear in joints, column or assistance components.
Why it happens
Dry joints, worn UJs or struggling power assistance create notchy or rough steering feel.
Buyer tip
Turn lock-to-lock with the engine running and listen for grating or uneven resistance.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
6
Power steering malfunctioning
10 notes2.1.5 (a)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Power steering assistance is malfunctioning, making the car heavier and less predictable to steer.
Why it happens
Low fluid, pump faults, leaks or electric PAS failures remove assistance.
Buyer tip
Check fluid (if hydraulic), look for leaks, and verify electric PAS warnings on the dash.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
7
Anti-lock braking system wiring excessively damaged
8 notes1.6 (d)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
The ABS system is reporting a fault or its wiring is damaged. You may lose anti-lock control in an emergency stop.
Why it happens
Wheel-speed sensors, damaged wiring or module faults set ABS warnings.
Buyer tip
Scan for ABS codes, check wheel-speed sensor wiring, and do not ignore a lit ABS lamp.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern
8
Steering column universal joint has excessive wear or play
8 notes2.2.2 (c)
What it means, why it happens, what to check
What it means
Play or wear in a steering-column joint can feel like vagueness or a knock through the wheel.
Why it happens
Intermediate shaft joints wear with mileage and can develop free play.
Buyer tip
Have a technician check column UJs and intermediate shafts if you feel notchiness.
Severity
Often a recurring model pattern

Audi A4 research summary

Based on over 478,423 official UK MOT tests, Audi A4 models registered between 2016 and 2021 achieve a strong 86.5% MOT pass rate.

The majority of recorded MOT defects relate to routine owner maintenance, with tyres, dampers and lighting accounting for most common faults seen on used examples in this age band.

Recurring systemic faults occur far less frequently, although engine management warning lamp (MIL) defects appear consistently across the dataset.

Overall, the data suggests that this generation of Audi A4 is more likely to fail MOT due to maintenance items than widespread design faults, making service history and routine upkeep particularly important when buying used. Shoppers comparing a used Audi A4 should treat this research summary as model-level context before inspecting any individual car.

What this report cannot tell you

This report describes model-level MOT trends, not the condition of any individual vehicle.

Two identical Audi A4 models can have very different maintenance histories.

Use it to understand common patterns before inspecting a specific car — then check that car’s own MOT history.

Year by year

Recent category counts

Defect-note totals by calendar year in the serving extract (not MOT tests, not vehicles, not a prediction).

Year	Owner maintenance	Wear & tear	Systemic	Other
2021	40,789	6,892	1,142	10,343
2022	51,770	10,481	1,478	14,013
2023	58,360	14,759	1,937	17,871
2024	63,739	19,125	2,577	21,136
2025	63,542	24,031	2,945	23,744
2026	31,339	13,102	1,553	11,364

All counts are defect notes.

How we classify MOT faults

We group recorded DVSA defect wording into four research categories to help identify whether issues are more likely to reflect routine maintenance, expected wear, recurring model patterns or miscellaneous inspection outcomes.

Owner maintenance: Defects often linked to day-to-day upkeep — tyres, lamps, washers and other items a careful owner can usually prevent or fix promptly.
Wear & tear: Age- and mileage-related deterioration that accumulates with normal use, even when a car has been looked after.
Systemic: Recurring wording and patterns across the model fleet that may point to design, component or known-model tendencies rather than one careless owner.
Other: Inspection outcomes that do not sit cleanly in the three groups above, including mixed or less classifiable defect notes.

Dataset: 478,423 official UK DVSA MOT tests · 581,693 defect notes · 2016–2021 registrations · United Kingdom · snapshot 23 July 2026 · aggregated model-level MOT analysis.

Buying a used Audi A4: practical MOT checks

1Inspect tyres and brake discs carefully; volume MOT wording is still dominated by consumables.
2Check for engine management warnings and oil service history appropriate to the engine.
3Compare A4 MOT outcomes with 3 Series and other peers before you pay a badge premium.
4Prefer cars with stamped or digital service records that match the mileage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Audi A4 MOT pass rate at 5–10 years?: In the 2016–2021 registration band, the Audi A4 shows an 86.5% MOT pass rate across about 478,000 recorded DVSA tests in this dataset.
How does the A4 compare with the BMW 3 Series on MOT pass rate?: In this same age band snapshot, the BMW 320 stem posts a higher pass rate than the A4, but sample sizes and model mixes differ. Use the interactive compare tool for a like-for-like decision.
Does this page replace an Audi dealer inspection?: No. It is model-level MOT research to inform your shortlist. Always inspect the specific car and review its individual MOT history.

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What the MOT record says about the Audi A4

How Audi A4 MOT failures break down

Most common owner-maintenance faults

Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge

Shock absorbers has light misting of oil

Headlamp aim too low

Windscreen washer not working

Tyre pressure monitoring system malfunctioning or obviously inoperative

Supplementary restraint system warning lamp indicates a fault

Shock absorbers has a slightly worn bush

Tyre not fitted in accordance with side wall instructions

Most common wear & tear faults

Shock absorbers has an excessively worn bush

Suspension component leaking rearbush

Service brake excessively binding Wheel bearing not tested

Brake pedal wearing smooth anti-slip rubber worn on edge

Emissions unable to be completed due to exhaust leak

Brake performance unable to be tested Due to worn brakes

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak sign of leak gas around dpf and turbo

Exhaust emissions likely to be affected by an exhaust leak

Most common systemic faults

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction

Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction

Brake pipe excessively corroded

Registration plate deteriorated but not likely to be misread cracked

Steering system excessively rough

Power steering malfunctioning

Anti-lock braking system wiring excessively damaged

Steering column universal joint has excessive wear or play