The picture
A4 Technik 35 Tdi S-A: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 903 MOT tests, the A4 Technik 35 Tdi S-A returns 87.7% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is windscreen damage. Tyre tread under the limit and shock absorber damaged to the extent round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 43,902, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
40 occurrences · 4.4% of tests
- 02
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
27 occurrences · 3.0% of tests
- 03
A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
26 occurrences · 2.9% of tests
- 04
A tyre seriously damaged
16 occurrences · 1.8% of tests
- 05
A tyre cords visible or damaged
9 occurrences · 1.0% of tests
- 06
a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
7 occurrences · 0.8% of tests
- 07
An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction
5 occurrences · 0.6% of tests
- 08
Excessive fluctuation in brake effort through each wheel revolution.
4 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 09
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
4 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 10
Wiper blade defective
3 occurrences · 0.3% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£120–£190
If every one of this A4 Technik 35 Tdi S A's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a A4 Technik 35 Tdi S A?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a A4 Technik 35 Tdi S A and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.