Audi A8 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Audi A8 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 247 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 11 of 442, and 13.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (1.5% of tests).
Ranked 11 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 10,924 Audi A8s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 13.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Audi A8 is 60% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.2% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
13.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.2%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
10,100
Typical age at test: 10 years
Audi A8 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Audi A8 MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1% of tests
- Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.9% of tests
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.8% of tests
What the Audi A8 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.5% | ▼ 39% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 3.2% | ▼ 76% less often |
| Brakes | 2.5% | ▼ 69% less often |
| Visibility | 2.2% | ▼ 55% less often |
| Suspension | 2.2% | ▼ 80% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.7% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | ▼ 76% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 59% less often |
| Steering | 0.3% | ▼ 90% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 54% less often |
What MPG does the Audi A8 do?
Official economy for the Audi A8 ranges from 19.1 to 50.4mpg across the 110 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 30.1mpg and a typical diesel 47.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Audi A8?
Any Audi A8 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi A8 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carAudi A8 specs and running costs
Official figures for 110 versions sold in the UK between 2004 and 2025.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
19.1–50.4 mpg
CO2
145–355 g/km
Power
286–340 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A8 50 TDI quattro 286PS286 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 40.4 mpg | 184g | £200 | 37% |
| A8 55 TFSI quattro 340PS340 PS · A8 · listed 2025 | Hybrid | 30.1 mpg | 212g | £200 | 37% |
| A8 50 TDI quattro 286PS 18'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 145g | £200 | – |
| A8 50 TDI quattro 286PS 19'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 150g | £200 | – |
| A8 50 TDI quattro 286PS 20'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 152g | £200 | – |
| A8 50 TDI quattro 286PS LWB 18'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 50.4 mpg | 146g | £200 | – |
| A8 50 TDI quattro 286PS LWB 19'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 150g | £200 | – |
| A8 50 TDI quattro 286PS LWB 20'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 152g | £200 | – |
| A8 55 TFSI quattro 340PS 18'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 36.7 mpg | 175g | £200 | – |
| A8 55 TFSI quattro 340PS 19'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 35.8 mpg | 180g | £200 | – |
| A8 55 TFSI quattro 340PS 20'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 182g | £200 | – |
| A8 55 TFSI quattro 340PS LWB 18'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 36.7 mpg | 175g | £200 | – |
| A8 55 TFSI quattro 340PS LWB 19'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 35.8 mpg | 180g | £200 | – |
| A8 55 TFSI quattro 340PS LWB 20'' wheelsA8 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 182g | £200 | – |
| A8 3.0 TDI V6 262PS SWB Stop-Start 8speed Tiptronic 18'' wheelsA8 · listed 2017 | Diesel | 49.6 mpg | 149g | £200 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 110 versions.
What a Audi A8 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 30.1mpg…
- diesel, typical official 47.1mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Audi A8Buying a used Audi A8?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
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Frequently asked questions
›Is the Audi A8 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Audi A8 is 60% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 247 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Audi A8?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 1.5% of tests.
›What MPG does the Audi A8 do?
Official economy for the Audi A8 ranges from 19.1 to 50.4mpg across the 110 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2004–2025). A typical petrol version manages 30.1mpg and a typical diesel 47.1mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Audi A8?
Any Audi A8 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi A8 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £225 to £790 a year.
›How many Audi A8s fail their MOT?
13.1% of Audi A8s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.2% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Audi A8 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.