2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Audi S3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,560 MOT tests in 2024. 92.2% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time92.2%
Failed or needed repairs7.8%
Typical mileage at test23,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,560 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    37 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    30 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
    19 marked dangerous
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits0.4%
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    11 marked dangerous
  8. Brake pads: worn down to wear indicator0.3%
  9. Washers: not working0.3%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.3%
    6 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.7%
  2. Lights & electrics1.0%
  3. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  4. Brakes0.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.6%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.3%
  8. Wheels0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.2%
  3. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.7%

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.

← 2020 S3All S3 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Audi S3?

In 2024, 92.2% of 2021 Audi S3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,560 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Audi S3?

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

Is the 2021 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).