2012 Audi A3 · 88,344 MOT tests
2012 Audi A3 reliability
2012 Audi A3s fail 29.9% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 24 A3 years (88,344 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- 29.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 99,129
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 88,344
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.2% of tests fail here (13% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 33% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Audi A3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics11.1%
- Suspension10.3%
- Tyres8.3%
- Brakes6.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.4%
- Body, chassis and structure2.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.43%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.26%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Direction indicator wrong colour 2.11%
An indicator showing the wrong colour may confuse other drivers, so the lens or bulb should be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.02%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.74%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 1.68%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.96%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.1%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.79%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.76%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.62%) · Indicator lens slightly discoloured (3.91%)
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 2012 Audi A3 reliable?
2012 Audi A3s fail 29.9% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 24 A3 years (88,344 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Audi A3 MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.43% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.26% of tests), direction indicator wrong colour (2.11% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Audi A3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Audi A3 shows 99,129 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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