2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Audi S3 MOT pass rate and common faults

620 MOT tests in 2024. 91.0% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time91.0%
Failed or needed repairs9.0%
Typical mileage at test27,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 620 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 cords2.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    20 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.5%
    16 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.5%
    3 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
  6. Washers: not working0.5%
  7. Headlamp aim: too far to the left0.2%
  8. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.2%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.2%
  10. Headlamp cleaning device: for LED or HID headlamp inoperative0.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.8%
  2. Lights & electrics1.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.1%
  4. Brakes0.6%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.3%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.2%
  7. Suspension0.2%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.6%
  5. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm2.3%

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 S3?

In 2024, 91.0% of 2020 Audi S3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 620 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Audi S3?

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 a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Audi S3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).