2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Audi A3 MOT pass rate and common faults

32,516 MOT tests in 2024. 85.7% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time85.7%
Failed or needed repairs14.3%
Typical mileage at test56,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 32,516 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.3%
    1,234 marked dangerous
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    683 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    593 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.8%
    318 marked dangerous
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.7%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    203 marked dangerous
  9. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.4%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres7.8%
  2. Brakes2.8%
  3. Lights & electrics2.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.4%
  5. Suspension1.6%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.1%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Body & chassis0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.2%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.9%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Audi A3?

In 2024, 85.7% of 2017 Audi A3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 32,516 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Audi A3?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 Audi A3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).