2018 Audi Q8 — MOT failures & pass rate
The 2018 Audi Q8 passed 92.9% of its 3,216 recorded MOT tests. Against large SUVs of a similar age (10.3% fail rate), the 2018 Q8 comes out 3.3pp better. Failures cluster in tyres, other defects and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
Tyres dominates the failure mix at 4.5% of all tests — 3.2 points clear of other defects, so it is the first thing to check.
At component level the recurring items are registration plates, tread depth and brake pads — registration plates alone was recorded 60 times.
Mileage is the strongest signal on the record: 5.7% of 0-30k cars fail, rising to 10.3% once past 90-120k.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 16.9% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 4.5% | 143 |
| 2 | Other defects | 1.2% | 39 |
| 3 | Visibility | 1.2% | 38 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.0% | 31 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 0.8% | 27 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.7% | 23 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Registration plates | 60 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 48 |
| 3 | Brake pads | 33 |
| 4 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 27 |
| 5 | Washers | 24 |
| 6 | Headlamp aim | 22 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 16.9% | 542 |
| 2 | Brakes | 13.0% | 417 |
| 3 | Other defects | 6.9% | 222 |
| 4 | Suspension | 3.4% | 110 |
| 5 | Visibility | 2.9% | 95 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.5% | 15 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 790 | 5.7% |
| 30-60k | 1,712 | 7.4% |
| 60-90k | 584 | 7.4% |
| 90-120k | 107 | 10.3% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 634 | 6.6% |
| 2022 | 644 | 7.8% |
| 2023 | 645 | 7.4% |
| 2024 | 642 | 5.6% |
| 2025 | 651 | 7.8% |
What to check before buying a 2018 Q8
On a 2018 Q8, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 4.5% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (4.5% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Other defects (1.2% of tests): Miscellaneous items not in the main categories. Typical repair: varies.
- Visibility (1.2% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2018 Audi Q8s pass their MOT?
92.9% of the 3,216 2018 Audi Q8 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 7.1% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2018 Audi Q8?
Tyres, recorded in 4.5% of tests, followed by other defects (1.2%).
Does the 2018 Q8 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.7% in the 0-30k band to 10.3% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 3,216 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.