Part of the Audi A4 B8 (2008–2015) guide: best and worst years compared.
2013 Audi A4 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Audi A4 first registered in 2013 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 7,324 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2013 Audi A4 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2013 Audi A4 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Suspension20% 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.
- Brakes17% 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 electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions3% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for an engine warning light.
Known faults on the 2013 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.
- 2.0 TFSI petrol
Timing chain tensioner (2.0 TFSI)
The tensioner can wear on higher-mileage petrols, which risks serious engine damage.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle on a cold start.
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Audi A4 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi A4?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Audi A4 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 362 | Tyres 19% |
| 2022 | 7,043 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 14,494 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 25,381 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 39,575 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 40,399 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 63,211 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 65,764 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 48,854 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 50,261 | Tyres 31% |
| 2012 | 40,105 | Tyres 33% |
| 2011 | 41,085 | Suspension 39% |
| 2010 | 38,856 | Suspension 40% |
| 2009 | 38,253 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 45,736 | Suspension 47% |
| 2007 | 45,101 | Suspension 48% |
| 2006 | 38,799 | Suspension 50% |
| 2005 | 22,925 | Suspension 49% |
| 2004 | 19,785 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 11,574 | Suspension 52% |
| 2002 | 6,124 | Suspension 54% |
| 2001 | 2,778 | Suspension 48% |
| 2000 | 2,815 | Suspension 45% |
| 1999 | 2,189 | Suspension 46% |
| 1998 | 1,448 | Suspension 45% |
| 1997 | 812 | Suspension 49% |
| 1996 | 551 | Suspension 46% |
| 1995 | 174 | Brakes 40% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Audi A4 cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score