2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Audi A3 MOT pass rate and common faults

15,707 MOT tests in 2024. 88.8% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time88.8%
Failed or needed repairs11.2%
Typical mileage at test30,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 15,707 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    490 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    348 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
    177 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.5%
    107 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.4%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.3%
  10. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.8%
  2. Lights & electrics1.8%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.3%
  4. Brakes1.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.6%
  6. Suspension0.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.5%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.5%
  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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2020 Audi A3?

In 2024, 88.8% of 2020 Audi A3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 15,707 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Audi A3?

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

Is the 2020 Audi A3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).