Audi RS4 Reliability, MOT Pass Rate & Common Faults
Free Audi RS4 car check
Is the Audi RS4 reliable? We analysed 23,377 real MOT tests across 1,729 vehicles to find out.
Got a specific Audi RS4? Enter the reg for a free check:
The Audi RS4 is above average for reliability based on real UK MOT data. Common problems include tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, shock absorber has a serious fluid leak and headlamp cleaning device inoperative. Here's everything you need to know before buying a used Audi RS4.
Audi RS4 Number Plates
Number plates registered to a Audi RS4. Click on any registration for full vehicle details — including MOT history, mileage records, previous owners and damage history.
Audi RS4 MOT Pass Rate by Year
How likely is a Audi RS4 to pass its MOT? Here's the pass rate for each registration year, newest first.
Audi RS4 Problems — What Goes Wrong?
The most common reasons a Audi RS4 fails its MOT, ranked by how often they occur. Check for these problems before you buy.
Audi RS4 Common Faults & Problems
These are the most common serious faults found on Audi RS4 models during MOT testing — flagged as dangerous or major failures that need immediate attention.
Audi RS4 Mileage — What's Normal?
How many miles does a typical Audi RS4 owner drive per year? Use this to check if a car you're looking at has suspiciously low or high mileage.
Audi RS4 MOT Data by Registration Year
Full breakdown of pass rate and mileage for each year. Use this to compare the Audi RS4 year you're looking at.
| Year | Tests | Pass Rate | Low Mi. | Typical Mi. | High Mi. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 70 | 90.0% | 26,924 | 43,009 | 54,222 |
| 2015 | 209 | 85.2% | 28,762 | 43,845 | 63,923 |
| 2014 | 2,138 | 87.8% | 33,536 | 49,526 | 67,168 |
| 2013 | 2,100 | 88.3% | 37,024 | 53,556 | 72,059 |
| 2012 | 197 | 91.9% | 41,124 | 55,491 | 74,166 |
| 2008 | 444 | 85.8% | 40,896 | 56,523 | 73,772 |
| 2007 | 8,356 | 84.5% | 43,928 | 65,938 | 90,052 |
| 2006 | 8,531 | 84.9% | 46,150 | 69,632 | 92,656 |
| 2002 | 68 | 77.9% | 70,771 | 100,704 | 131,410 |
| 2001 | 783 | 79.9% | 75,242 | 95,592 | 119,465 |
| 2000 | 229 | 81.2% | 67,178 | 89,750 | 104,746 |
How Long Does a Audi RS4 Last?
Based on 1,729 Audi RS4 vehicles on UK roads.
Audi RS4 Mileage Distribution
Total mileage recorded across all Audi RS4 MOT tests. If the car you're looking at is above the 75th percentile, it's done more miles than most.
Best Year to Buy a Used Audi RS4
Based on MOT pass rates across all registration years with sufficient test data.
91.9% MOT pass rate from 197 tests
77.9% MOT pass rate from 68 tests
The best year to buy a used Audi RS4 is 2012, which has the highest MOT pass rate at 91.9% across 197 tests. The 2002 model year has the lowest pass rate at 77.9% — if you're looking at one from that year, budget for potential repairs and get a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
How Does the Audi RS4 Compare?
MOT pass rates compared to similar models. Click any model for the full breakdown.
| Model | Pass Rate | Tests | Typical Mileage | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi RS4 THIS CAR | 85.2% | 23,377 | 64,667 mi | 25 yrs |
| Audi A3 | 78% | 7,415,025 | 78,776 mi | 29 yrs |
| Audi A4 | 76.1% | 7,096,957 | 96,834 mi | 31 yrs |
| Audi A6 | 78.4% | 2,724,792 | 98,890 mi | 31 yrs |
| Nissan 100 Nx | 61.3% | 9,118 | 96,854 mi | 35 yrs |
Compared to the Audi A3 (78.0% pass rate) and the Audi A4 (76.1% pass rate), the Audi RS4 outperforms both on MOT reliability.
Found a Audi RS4 you like?
Run a full vehicle history check on the specific car. See finance, stolen, write-off, mileage and MOT data for that exact vehicle.
Check a specific Audi RS4Should you buy a used Audi RS4?
The Audi RS4 has an overall MOT pass rate of 85.2% across 23,377 real MOT tests — comfortably above the UK average, which puts it among the more reliable models on UK roads.
The most common problems on the Audi RS4 are tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (272 recorded failures), shock absorber has a serious fluid leak (201), and headlamp cleaning device inoperative (100). These are the faults most likely to cause an MOT failure on this model, so check for them carefully on any test drive or pre-purchase inspection. Many are wear-and-tear items that can be budgeted for, but a car that's already failing on multiple fronts may signal neglected maintenance.
On the safety side, the most frequently flagged dangerous fault is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Dangerous faults cause an immediate MOT failure and mean the vehicle is not roadworthy until repaired. If you're viewing a Audi RS4 with an expired or recently passed MOT, ask the seller whether any dangerous faults were found and fixed during the last test.
A typical Audi RS4 owner drives around 4,183 miles per year. If the car you're looking at is significantly above this, expect more wear on suspension, brakes and tyres. If it's well below, the vehicle may have been sitting unused — check for perished rubber, corroded discs and stale fluids.
In terms of longevity, most Audi RS4 models stay on UK roads for around 25 years — a strong showing that suggests solid build quality and readily available parts. If you're buying one that's already approaching that window, the data suggests it has plenty of life left provided it's been maintained.
Before committing to a purchase, we recommend running a full vehicle history check on the specific car. This will reveal any outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies that the seller may not disclose — and that the MOT data alone can't tell you.