2006 Audi A4 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2006 Audi A4 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2006 Audi A4 diesel than on all cars registered in 2006.

• Track rod ends3.3× usual
  Audi A4

  17.9% All 2006 cars

  5.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usual
  Audi A4

  18.8% All 2006 cars

  10.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.4% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Flexible brake hoses2.3× usual
  Audi A4

  12% All 2006 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£200 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.

• Number plate lights1.7× usual
  Audi A4

  14.3% All 2006 cars

  8.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 2.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes6× usual
  Audi A4

  6.6% All 2006 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.3% of all 2006 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

Common 2006 Audi A4 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2006 Audi A4 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  54% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  37% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  37% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Lights and electrics
  33% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  14% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  11% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2006 Audi A4 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2006 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2006 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2006 Audi A4 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?