2016 Audi A3 · 138,221 MOT tests
2016 Audi A3 reliability
2016 Audi A3s fail 13.9% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 24 A3 years (138,221 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2016 Audi A3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- 13.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 35% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 57,834
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 138,221
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- 2017 cars: 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Strong point: suspension, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Audi A3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.4%
- Lights and electrics3.1%
- Brakes2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.9%
- Suspension1.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%
- Body, chassis and structure0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.05%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.22%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.11%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.92%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.63%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.62%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.33%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.02%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.24%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.15%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (2.33%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.81%)
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 2016 Audi A3 reliable?
2016 Audi A3s fail 13.9% of first MOT tests, 35% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 24 A3 years (138,221 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Audi A3 MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.05% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.22% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.11% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Audi A3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Audi A3 shows 57,834 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Check a 2016 Audi A3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.