2012 · 12 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2012 Audi S3 MOT pass rate and common faults

165 MOT tests in 2024. 77.6% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

121Well above average
Passed first time77.6%
Failed or needed repairs22.4%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 165 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Individual direction indicators: incorrect colour2.4%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.4%
  4. Headlamp aim: too low2.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
    5 marked dangerous
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed1.8%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.8%
  8. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.8%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  10. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics10.9%
  2. Emissions & leaks8.5%
  3. Suspension7.3%
  4. Brakes4.8%
  5. Tyres4.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.2%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine6.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.8%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.2%
  5. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened4.2%

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: individual direction indicators: incorrect colour. 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 2012 Audi S3?

In 2024, 77.6% of 2012 Audi S3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 165 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Audi S3?

The most common failure reasons were individual direction indicators: incorrect colour; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2012 Audi S3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 121, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).