2008 Audi A4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Audi A4 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Audi A4 petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.6× usual
  Audi A4

  17.1% All 2008 cars

  10.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 2.3% of all 2008 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.6× usual
  Audi A4

  10.8% All 2008 cars

  6.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Ball joint dust cover1.8× usual
  Audi A4

  7.9% All 2008 cars

  4.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.8% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Engine warning light1.8× usual
  Audi A4

  4.8% All 2008 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes2.2× usual
  Audi A4

  2% All 2008 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.2% of all 2008 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 2008 Audi A4 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Audi A4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  33% 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.

• Brakes
  24% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  24% 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
  15% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  11% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2008 Audi A4 petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Heavy oil use (early 2.0 TFSI)

  2.0 TFSI petrol, about 2008-2012

  Early 2.0 TFSI petrols are known for burning oil because of the piston rings.

  At the viewing: Check the oil level and ask how often it needs topping up.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A4 B8 reliability guide

• Timing chain tensioner (2.0 TFSI)

  2.0 TFSI petrol

  The tensioner can wear on higher-mileage petrols, which risks serious engine damage.

  At the viewing: Listen for a rattle on a cold start.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A4 B8 reliability guide

• Worn front suspension bushes

  Front control arm bushes wear early, causing clunks and vague steering.

  At the viewing: Listen over bumps and feel for wander.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A4 B8 reliability guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Audi A4 petrol

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

1. How much oil does it use between services?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2008 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.6× as often on the 2008 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Audi A4 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?