2011 Audi A3 · 76,104 MOT tests
2011 Audi A3 reliability
2011 Audi A3s fail 32.9% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 24 A3 years (76,104 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- 32.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 108,647
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 76,104
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- 2012 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.4% of tests fail here (13% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 43% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Audi A3
Fail rate by area
- Suspension13.8%
- Lights and electrics11.8%
- Tyres8.3%
- Brakes7.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3%
- Body, chassis and structure2.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.29%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.53%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.09%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.04%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.92%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Direction indicator wrong colour 1.9%
An indicator showing the wrong colour may confuse other drivers, so the lens or bulb should be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.83%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.56%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.58%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.51%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.55%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (4.37%)
Other years
Every Audi A3 year
The full picture: Audi A3 reliability. Before you pay for any Audi A3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2011 Audi A3 reliable?
2011 Audi A3s fail 32.9% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 24 A3 years (76,104 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Audi A3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.29% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (3.53% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.09% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Audi A3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Audi A3 shows 108,647 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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