Audi A8 (1998)
1998 Audi A8
CarHunch analysed 730 real MOT records for the 1998 Audi A8. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 1998 Audi A8 is struggling: its 69.4% first-time pass rate sits 10.6 points below the UK average, and nearly one in three examples (31.8%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point. This is a significant reliability concern that should give any potential buyer pause, particularly when considering the age and complexity of the model.
At 124,000 miles on average, these cars have been well-used, and the numbers explain why—they're racking up 3.6 failures and 13.7 advisories per test, suggesting ageing electrics, suspension wear, and cumulative mechanical fatigue typical of 26-year-old German luxury cars. Before purchasing, obtain a full service history and have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the fuel system, emissions equipment, and suspension components, which tend to be the culprits in A8 failures of this era.
What to check before buying a 1998 Audi A8
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 31.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Audi A8
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
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Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (98%) | 715 | 69.5% | 3.59 |
| LPG (1%) | 9 | 65.2% | 4.11 |
| Diesel (1%) | 6 | 60.1% | 3 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 1998 Audi A8 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 1998 Audi A8 vehicles fall between 100,626 and 143,696 miles.
1998 Audi A8 — Still on the Road
Numbers are declining — 31 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (13% of peak).
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 1998 Audi A8
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
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65.1%
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements
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56.4%
Oil leak
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52.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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49.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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49.6%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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45.8%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit
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22.7%
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault
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20.3%
Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 1998. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Audi A8?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.