2017 Audi R8 — MOT failures & pass rate
1,666 MOT tests on the 2017 Audi R8 are in this dataset, and 94.4% of them passed. That is 4.2 percentage points better than coupes & convertibles of a similar age, which fail at 9.8%. Failures cluster in tyres, other defects and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (2.9%) and other defects (1.7%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are registration plates, shock absorbers and tread depth — registration plates alone was recorded 42 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 11.5% of tests without failing them.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 6.8% in 2021 to 4.8% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 2.9% | 49 |
| 2 | Other defects | 1.7% | 29 |
| 3 | Suspension | 1.4% | 24 |
| 4 | Lighting & signalling | 0.6% | 10 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 0.2% | 4 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.2% | 3 |
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 | 42 |
| 2 | Shock absorbers | 30 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 18 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 7 |
| 5 | Tyre pressure monitoring system | 6 |
| 6 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 4 |
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 | 11.5% | 192 |
| 2 | Suspension | 3.4% | 56 |
| 3 | Other defects | 2.4% | 40 |
| 4 | Brakes | 2.1% | 35 |
| 5 | Visibility | 1.4% | 24 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 0.4% | 6 |
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 | 1,306 | 5.2% |
| 30-60k | 352 | 7.1% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 352 | 6.8% |
| 2022 | 325 | 5.2% |
| 2023 | 332 | 4.2% |
| 2024 | 324 | 6.8% |
| 2025 | 333 | 4.8% |
What to check before buying a 2017 R8
On a 2017 R8, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 2.9% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (2.9% 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 (1.7% of tests): Miscellaneous items not in the main categories. Typical repair: varies.
- Suspension (1.4% 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 2017 Audi R8s pass their MOT?
94.4% of the 1,666 2017 Audi R8 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 5.6% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2017 Audi R8?
Tyres, recorded in 2.9% of tests, followed by other defects (1.7%).
Does the 2017 R8 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.2% in the 0-30k band to 7.1% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,666 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.