2012 Audi A4 2.0L Diesel · DA62 MYD

Recurring suspension wear and recurring shock absorber issues define the mechanical profile of this vehicle, which most recently passed its MOT on 05 June 2026 after failing due to a major fault with the supplementary restraint system warning lamp. The inspection history shows a consistent pattern of advisories regarding worn suspension arm pins and bushes on both the nearside and offside fronts, a condition that has been noted in consecutive tests since at least April 2024. Additionally, the nearside rear shock absorber has been flagged for light oil misting in three separate tests between 2024 and 2026, indicating a persistent but non-critical leak. The vehicle has covered 208,573 miles over its approximately 14-year lifespan, representing an average annual accumulation of roughly 14,898 miles. This level of usage is relatively high for its age and suggests consistent road use. Mechanically, this high mileage correlates with the frequent advisories for wear in the suspension components and the ongoing issues with shock absorber seals. Such high-frequency usage typically accelerates the degradation of rubber bushes, ball joints, and damping units, which is reflected in the documented history of component wear. Prospective buyers should pay close attention to the suspension and damping performance during a test drive. Given the repeated advisories for worn suspension arm pins and bushes, listen for knocking, clunking, or creaking noises when driving over uneven surfaces or speed bumps. Worn bushes can also manifest as imprecise steering or a slight pull to one side. The ongoing advisory for oil misting on the nearside rear shock absorber should be monitored; while currently described as light, any significant increase in moisture or visible pooling could indicate a more imminent failure of the damper. The failure in June 2026 regarding the supplementary restraint system warning lamp is a critical point to verify. You must ensure that the airbag warning light on the dashboard illuminates when the ignition is turned on and extinguishes once the engine is running. If the light remains illuminated, it indicates a fault within the safety systems that requires professional diagnostic investigation. Furthermore, while the 2024 failure for a missing road wheel fixing was resolved, the high mileage and frequent suspension advisories suggest that a thorough inspection of all steering and suspension linkages is necessary to ensure no other components are nearing the end of their service life.