2012 Audi A8 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Audi A8 first registered in 2012 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 1,985 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2012 Audi A8 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Audi A8 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres23% 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.
- Brakes14% 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.
- Suspension14% 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.
- 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks6% 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 mirrors6% 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 2012 Audi A8 diesel
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 A8?
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 A8 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 | 279 | Tyres 8% |
| 2022 | 272 | Tyres 15% |
| 2021 | 590 | Tyres 16% |
| 2020 | 1,198 | Tyres 18% |
| 2019 | 2,195 | Tyres 18% |
| 2018 | 2,898 | Tyres 19% |
| 2017 | 1,990 | Tyres 20% |
| 2016 | 2,680 | Tyres 20% |
| 2015 | 2,877 | Tyres 20% |
| 2014 | 2,566 | Tyres 20% |
| 2013 | 2,168 | Tyres 23% |
| 2011 | 2,135 | Tyres 24% |
| 2010 | 1,391 | Suspension 27% |
| 2009 | 1,149 | Tyres 25% |
| 2008 | 2,004 | Tyres 26% |
| 2007 | 1,669 | Tyres 30% |
| 2006 | 1,148 | Tyres 27% |
| 2005 | 1,005 | Tyres 30% |
| 2004 | 618 | Suspension 32% |
| 2003 | 337 | Tyres 30% |
| 2002 | 303 | Suspension 32% |
| 2001 | 274 | Suspension 38% |
| 2000 | 196 | Suspension 44% |
| 1999 | 165 | Suspension 40% |
| 1998 | 134 | Suspension 50% |
| 1997 | – | Too few tests |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
| 1995 | – | Too few tests |
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 A8 cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score