2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Audi A3 MOT pass rate and common faults

26,081 MOT tests in 2024. 87.5% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time87.5%
Failed or needed repairs12.5%
Typical mileage at test46,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 26,081 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.4%
    980 marked dangerous
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    585 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 exposed1.4%
    508 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.8%
    267 marked dangerous
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.5%
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.4%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.4%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    150 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.6%
  2. Brakes2.5%
  3. Lights & electrics1.9%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.7%
  5. Suspension1.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick12.0%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.2%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.9%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.6%

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 2018 Audi A3?

In 2024, 87.5% of 2018 Audi A3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 26,081 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 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 2018 Audi A3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).