Audi A8

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 26 model years from 23,959 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

88%

Total Tests

23,959

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (98%)

Years Covered

About the Audi A8

The Audi A8 was MOT tested 23,959 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 26 model years (1996 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 88%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 98% from 170 tests. The 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. With a 21 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Audi A8s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 135,336 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 35,071 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2967cc)

£1,676

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,131

Per month£178/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Audi A8?

vs average of all models+6% (82% avg)

vs Audi brand average-2% (90% avg)

Best to worst year spread21 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Audi A8 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	98%	170	35,071 mi
2020	96%	599	39,317 mi
2019	95%	1,932	50,413 mi
2018	95%	2,387	59,736 mi
2017	95%	1,392	72,207 mi
2016	94%	1,876	80,025 mi
2015	93%	2,300	85,475 mi
2014	94%	1,889	98,201 mi
2013	91%	1,562	108,280 mi
2012	92%	1,468	113,405 mi
2011	93%	1,392	120,960 mi
2010	87%	933	124,272 mi
2009	89%	735	138,957 mi
2008	87%	1,332	140,305 mi
2007	86%	1,124	147,303 mi
2006	85%	748	146,966 mi
2005	87%	661	142,434 mi
2004	80%	349	134,086 mi
2003	84%	223	134,224 mi
2002	84%	166	137,356 mi
2001	85%	157	141,044 mi
2000	77%	104	143,697 mi
1999	80%	192	140,354 mi
1998	80%	122	136,028 mi
1997	79%	115	131,393 mi
1996	74%	31	135,336 mi

Questions about the Audi A8

Is the Audi A8 reliable?

Across its 26 model years in our data (1996 to 2021), the Audi A8 averages an 88% MOT pass rate, from 23,959 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 98%.

Which year Audi A8 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Audi A8 has the highest MOT pass rate at 98%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%, a 21 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.