2021 Audi A3 · 8,897 MOT tests
2021 Audi A3 reliability
2021 Audi A3s fail 8.6% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 24 A3 years (8,897 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- 8.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Audi A3s: 24.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 29% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 27,409
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,897
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 5.5% of tests fail here (25% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 57% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 Audi A3
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.4%
- Lights and electrics0.9%
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%
- Brakes0.4%
- Suspension0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.44%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.97%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.89%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.35%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.34%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.28%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.14%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.83%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.45%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.42%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (1.36%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.32%)
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 2021 Audi A3 reliable?
2021 Audi A3s fail 8.6% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 24 A3 years (8,897 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Audi A3 MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.44% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.97% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.89% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Audi A3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Audi A3 shows 27,409 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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