Audi R8 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Audi R8 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 229 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 14 of 442, and 9.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is rear fog lamp (2.2% of tests).
Ranked 14 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 3,843 Audi R8s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 9.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Audi R8 is 56% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
9.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
3,400
Typical age at test: 11 years
Audi R8 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Audi R8 MOT faults
- Rear fog lamp: not working2.2% of tests
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.0% of tests
- Registration plates: does not conform to the specified requirements0.7% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.7% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.5% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed0.4% of tests
What the Audi R8 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 3.3% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Suspension | 2.4% | ▼ 62% less often |
| Tyres | 1.8% | ▼ 59% less often |
| Brakes | 1.4% | ▼ 70% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.0% | ▼ 45% less often |
| Visibility | 0.7% | ▼ 82% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | ▼ 83% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.2% | ▼ 62% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 44% less often |
| Steering | 0.1% | ▼ 93% less often |
What MPG does the Audi R8 do?
Official economy for the Audi R8 ranges from 19 to 24.8mpg across the 54 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2018). A typical petrol version manages 21.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Audi R8?
Any Audi R8 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi R8 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carAudi R8 specs and running costs
Official figures for 54 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2018.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
19.0–24.8 mpg
CO2
272–351 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R8 Coupé R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro 540 PS 7speed S-tronicQD7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 22.4 mpg | 287g | £200 |
| R8 Coupé R8 V10 Plus 5.2 FSI quattro 610 PS 7speed S-tronicQD7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 21.1 mpg | 306g | £200 |
| R8 Coupé RWS 5.2 FSI V10 540PS 7speed S-tronicD7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 22.8 mpg | 283g | £200 |
| R8 Spyder R8 V10 5.2 FSI quattro 540 PS 7speed S-tronicQD7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 22.1 mpg | 290g | £200 |
| R8 Spyder R8 V10 Plus 5.2 FSI quattro 610 PS 7speed S-tronicQD7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 20.8 mpg | 309g | £200 |
| R8 Spyder RWS 5.2 FSI V10 540PS 7speed S-tronicD7 · listed 2018 | Petrol | 22.4 mpg | 286g | £200 |
| R8 Coupé R8 V10 5.2 FSI 540PS 7speed S-tronicQD7 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 24.8 mpg | 272g | £200 |
| R8 Coupé R8 V10 Plus 5.2 FSI 610PS 7speed S-tronicQD7 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 23 mpg | 287g | £200 |
| R8 Spyder R8 V10 5.2 FSI 540PS 7speed S-tronicQD7 · listed 2017 | Petrol | 24.1 mpg | 277g | £200 |
| R8 Coupé 5.2 V10 540 PSQD7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 24.8 mpg | 272g | £790 |
| R8 Coupé 5.2 V10 Plus 610 PSQD7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 23 mpg | 287g | £790 |
| R8 Spyder 5.2 V10 540PSQD7 · listed 2016 | Petrol | 24.1 mpg | 277g | £790 |
| R8 Coupé 4.2 FSI V8 quattro 430PSQM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 19.9 mpg | 332g | £790 |
| R8 Coupé 4.2 FSI V8 quattro 430PS S tronicQD6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 22.8 mpg | 289g | £790 |
| R8 Coupé 5.2 FSI V10 quattro 525PSQM6 · listed 2015 | Petrol | 19 mpg | 346g | £790 |
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. Showing the 15 most recent of 54 versions.
What a Audi R8 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 21.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Audi R8Buying a used Audi R8?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Audi models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Audi R8 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Audi R8 is 56% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 229 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Audi R8?
The most common MOT fault is “Rear fog lamp: not working”, found in 2.2% of tests.
›What MPG does the Audi R8 do?
Official economy for the Audi R8 ranges from 19 to 24.8mpg across the 54 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2018). A typical petrol version manages 21.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Audi R8?
Any Audi R8 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi R8 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £790 a year.
›How many Audi R8s fail their MOT?
9.8% of Audi R8s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Audi R8 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.