2012 Audi A7 3.0L Diesel · AO07 KAM

A recurring weakness in the front suspension defines this 2012 Audi A7’s MOT record, with coil‑spring fractures documented in the 2022 test and again in the 2024 failure, yet the most recent inspection on 11 June 2026 returned a pass, albeit with advisories on rear brake disc wear. The pattern shows a serious suspension defect that has been rectified sufficiently to pass, but the repeat occurrence suggests that the front spring assembly remains a point of vulnerability, while the remainder of the test history has been largely advisory rather than failing. At 83,514 miles over fourteen years the average annual mileage sits just under 6,000 mi, well below the typical UK usage rate for a vehicle of this age. Such low utilisation can mean reduced cumulative stress on engine and drivetrain components, yet age‑related fatigue in rubber‑based parts such as coil springs can develop irrespective of mileage. The modest yearly accumulation also indicates the car has not been subjected to high‑kilometre wear cycles, but the sparse mileage does not rule out periods of inactivity that could promote corrosion in suspension joints or brake hardware. When evaluating the car, give the front suspension close attention: inspect the coil springs, strut mounts and anti‑roll bar links for cracks, corrosion or signs of recent repair, and listen for metallic clunks or a sagging ride height when driving over bumps. Verify that the brake discs at the rear are still within minimum thickness and free of scoring, and feel the pedal for consistent bite and absence of pulsation, as the 2026 advisories flag only mild wear. Examine the front brake pads for remaining material, as thin pads were noted in 2024; a test drive should reveal any grinding or reduced braking efficiency. Finally, confirm that the tyres retain adequate tread depth and uniform wear, especially on the rear where the 2022 advisories highlighted edge wear close to legal limits, and check headlamp alignment on both sides, given the 2022 major fault for excessive aim. A thorough visual and road‑test inspection of these specific items will reveal whether the previous coil‑spring failures have been properly addressed and whether the remaining advisory items are simply wear items approaching their service life.