Sports car and convertible · 2007–2021 cars
Audi R8 reliability
The Audi R8 fails 7.7% of first MOT tests, 63% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 19,383 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Audi R8 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 7.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 63% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 19,383
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 3,500
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Audi R8 ages
Each point is the share of Audi R8s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Audi R8 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 4.2% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 4.3% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 8.3% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 5.9% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 3.6% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 5.5% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 7.6% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 6% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 10.5% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 10.2% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 9.8% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 11.1% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 12.1% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 10.8% | 42.9% |
By year
The best and worst Audi R8 years
2014 cars come out best and 2017 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 770 | 1.9% | 79% fewer fails | 12,729 |
| 2019 | 740 | 11.8% | 11% more fails | 14,789 |
| 2018 R8 | 1,534 | 4.6% | 61% fewer fails | 18,804 |
| 2017 R8 | 1,645 | 5.7% | 57% fewer fails | 22,282 |
| 2016 R8 | 3,046 | 3.9% | 76% fewer fails | 22,043 |
| 2015 R8 | 1,070 | 6.9% | 60% fewer fails | 27,512 |
| 2014 R8 | 1,093 | 4.5% | 77% fewer fails | 32,077 |
| 2013 R8 | 1,146 | 5.8% | 71% fewer fails | 32,249 |
| 2012 | 731 | 10.7% | 53% fewer fails | 35,305 |
| 2011 R8 | 1,293 | 9.1% | 62% fewer fails | 33,819 |
| 2010 R8 | 1,335 | 11.3% | 58% fewer fails | 39,948 |
| 2009 R8 | 1,263 | 10.7% | 64% fewer fails | 45,739 |
| 2008 R8 | 2,341 | 12.4% | 62% fewer fails | 51,428 |
| 2007 R8 | 1,177 | 11.4% | 67% fewer fails | 56,025 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Audi R8
Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics2.7%61% below avg
- Suspension1.7%70% below avg
- Tyres1.5%66% below avg
- Brakes1.1%75% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.9%307% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%53% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors0.6%86% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.3%83% below avg
- Wheels0.1%60% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Rear fog lamp not working 1.38% of tests
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
- 2
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.07% of tests
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 3
Number plate does not meet standards 0.46% of tests
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.41% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Headlamp aim set too high 0.26% of tests
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
- 6
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.25% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 7
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 0.24% of tests
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 8
Fuel filler cap ineffective 0.22% of tests
A faulty fuel cap can let fuel vapour escape and may trigger warning lights, so a replacement is usually simple.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Audi R8's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit3.62%
- Shock absorber light oil misting3.19%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking2.4%
- Brake disc pitted or scored2.24%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy1.03%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive0.87%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Audi R8
- 1
Rear fog lamp not working
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
- 2
Shock absorber serious fluid leak
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
- 3
Number plate does not meet standards
The plate does not meet legal specifications, so it must be replaced with a compliant one before the car is driven.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Audi R8 covers about 3,500 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol100%
- Diesel0%
Most common colours
Black, Grey, Blue, White, Silver
Average engine size: 4.9 litres.
Compare
How the Audi R8 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Aston Martin Vantage | 6% | 65% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi R8 | 7.7% | 63% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Honda S2000 | 18.5% | 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Lotus Elise | 14.2% | 51% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Nissan 350 Z | 26.1% | 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Jaguar XK8 | 25.9% | 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MGF | 34.1% | about average for its age |
Every sports car and convertible ranked in the sports car and convertible reliability index, or all Audi models.
Questions
Audi R8 questions, answered
Is the Audi R8 reliable?
On MOT results, the Audi R8 is better than average: it fails 7.7% of first MOT tests, 63% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 11 of 62 sports car and convertible models in our index.
What fails most on a Audi R8 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Audi R8 are rear fog lamp not working (1.38% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (1.07% of tests), number plate does not meet standards (0.46% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 2.7% of its tests.
Which Audi R8 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2014 cars do best (77% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2017 cars do worst (57% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Audi R8 do a year?
A typical Audi R8 covers about 3,500 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Audi R8 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
Found a Audi R8? Check it free.
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.