Used car guide

2001 Audi RS4: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Audi RS4 first registered in 2001: we looked at the 264 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 264 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

264MOTs of 2001 cars, done in 2023–2025
85%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 60%)
4,800typical miles a year
17%had suspension flagged

Common 2001 Audi RS4 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Audi RS4 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    17% 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
    16% 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
    13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    8% 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 engine or DPF warning lights.

  • Tyres
    8% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    7% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2001 Audi RS4

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at an Audi RS4?

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 RS4 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022214Tyres 16%
2021478Tyres 16%
2020734Tyres 19%
2019–Too few tests
2018–Too few tests
2015–Too few tests
2014561Brakes 19%
2013504Tyres 19%
2012–Too few tests
2008–Too few tests
20071,274Suspension 22%
20061,085Brakes 24%
2002–Too few tests
2000126Suspension 14%

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 RS4 cars first registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score