1998 Audi A4 · 2,222 MOT tests
1998 Audi A4 reliability
1998 Audi A4s fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 24 A4 years (2,222 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 1998 Audi A4?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A4s: 26.5%)
- 34.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A4s: 26.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 150,181
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,222
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- 1999 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Strong point: brakes, 43% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Audi A4
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.1%
- Lights and electrics12.2%
- Body, chassis and structure9.6%
- Brakes7.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.5%
- Steering5.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.41%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.28%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Position lamp not working 2.66%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.52%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.21%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.21%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (16.25%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (15.44%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.8%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.78%) · Wheel bearing slight play (8.28%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.76%)
Other years
Every Audi A4 year
The full picture: Audi A4 reliability. Before you pay for any Audi A4, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Audi A4 reliable?
1998 Audi A4s fail 34.2% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 24 A4 years (2,222 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Audi A4 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (4.41% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (4.28% of tests), position lamp not working (2.66% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Audi A4 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Audi A4 shows 150,181 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
Check a 1998 Audi A4 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.