2021 Audi RS6 — MOT failures & pass rate
1,102 MOT tests on the 2021 Audi RS6 are in this dataset, and 92.0% of them passed. Against executive cars of a similar age (9.8% fail rate), the 2021 RS6 comes out 1.8pp better. Failures cluster in tyres, other defects and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
Tyres dominates the failure mix at 6.3% of all tests — 5.3 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 headlamp aim — registration plates alone was recorded 19 times.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 10.2% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 6.3% | 70 |
| 2 | Other defects | 1.0% | 11 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 0.6% | 7 |
| 4 | Emissions & environmental | 0.5% | 6 |
| 5 | Brakes | 0.2% | 2 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.2% | 2 |
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 | 19 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 15 |
| 3 | Headlamp aim | 8 |
| 4 | Catalyst emissions | 7 |
| 5 | Brake pads | 5 |
| 6 | Attachment | 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 | 10.2% | 112 |
| 2 | Other defects | 4.2% | 46 |
| 3 | Visibility | 2.6% | 29 |
| 4 | Brakes | 2.5% | 28 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.2% | 13 |
| 6 | Road wheels | 0.4% | 4 |
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 | 703 | 7.4% |
| 30-60k | 384 | 8.8% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 554 | 9.4% |
| 2025 | 524 | 6.3% |
What to check before buying a 2021 RS6
On a 2021 RS6, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 6.3% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (6.3% 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 (1.0% of tests): Miscellaneous items not in the main categories. Typical repair: varies.
- Lighting & signalling (0.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£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 2021 Audi RS6s pass their MOT?
92.0% of the 1,102 2021 Audi RS6 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 8.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Audi RS6?
Tyres, recorded in 6.3% of tests, followed by other defects (1.0%).
Does the 2021 RS6 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 7.4% in the 0-30k band to 8.8% in the 30-60k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,102 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.