2008 Audi R8 — MOT failures & pass rate
2,949 MOT tests on the 2008 Audi R8 are in this dataset, and 89.1% of them passed. That is 10.1 percentage points better than coupes & convertibles of a similar age, which fail at 21.1%. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, brakes and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (5.7%) and brakes (3.1%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are rear fog lamp, shock absorbers and headlamp aim — rear fog lamp alone was recorded 117 times.
A 90-120k example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 14.9% versus 7.1%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 15.6% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 10.0% of tests failed in 2021 against 12.1% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 5.7% | 169 |
| 2 | Brakes | 3.1% | 93 |
| 3 | Suspension | 3.1% | 92 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 1.7% | 50 |
| 5 | Tyres | 1.3% | 39 |
| 6 | Visibility | 1.3% | 37 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rear fog lamp | 117 |
| 2 | Shock absorbers | 80 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 63 |
| 4 | Registration plates | 50 |
| 5 | Catalyst emissions | 40 |
| 6 | Brake discs | 37 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 15.6% | 459 |
| 2 | Tyres | 12.6% | 372 |
| 3 | Suspension | 12.2% | 361 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 3.5% | 102 |
| 5 | Other defects | 1.9% | 57 |
| 6 | Visibility | 1.7% | 49 |
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 | 563 | 7.1% |
| 30-60k | 1,508 | 11.1% |
| 60-90k | 745 | 12.6% |
| 90-120k | 114 | 14.9% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 618 | 10.0% |
| 2022 | 617 | 10.5% |
| 2023 | 576 | 10.9% |
| 2024 | 583 | 11.2% |
| 2025 | 555 | 12.1% |
What to check before buying a 2008 R8
On a 2008 R8, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 5.7% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (5.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Brakes (3.1% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Suspension (3.1% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
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 2008 Audi R8s pass their MOT?
89.1% of the 2,949 2008 Audi R8 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 10.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2008 Audi R8?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 5.7% of tests, followed by brakes (3.1%).
Does the 2008 R8 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.1% in the 0-30k band to 14.9% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,949 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.