2003 Audi A4 · 17,077 MOT tests
2003 Audi A4 reliability
2003 Audi A4s fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 24 A4 years (17,077 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Audi A4s: 26.5%)
- 41.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A4s: 26.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- 143,199
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 19
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 17,077
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does better)
- 2004 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: tyres, 7.5% of tests fail here (8% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 45% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Audi A4
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics19.8%
- Suspension16.5%
- Brakes14.6%
- Tyres7.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6%
- Body, chassis and structure5.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 4.5%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 3.76%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Stop lamp not working 3.47%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 3.44%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.3%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Flexible brake hose excessively deteriorated 3.24%
A damaged or chafed brake hose can burst and cause sudden brake loss, so it must be replaced promptly.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (18.74%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (17.99%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (16.94%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.47%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (8.15%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.04%)
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 2003 Audi A4 reliable?
2003 Audi A4s fail 41.1% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 22 of 24 A4 years (17,077 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Audi A4 MOT?
Most often suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4.5% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (3.76% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.47% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Audi A4 have done?
At its MOT aged about 19, a typical 2003 Audi A4 shows 143,199 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
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