Family SUV · 2000–2021 cars
Audi Q3 reliability
The Audi Q3 fails 15.5% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 407,192 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Audi Q3 before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 15.5%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 29% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 407,192
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 8,600
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Audi Q3 does better than most. Its first-time MOT fail rate is 15.5%, against 28.4% for all cars. It has 29% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and ranks 14 of 59 family SUV models. Cars from 2020 did best, with 45% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage. Cars from 2012 were the weakest year, though they still had 26% fewer.
Even so, check the car carefully. The most common MOT failures are a fractured or broken coil spring (2.73% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.84%), tyre cuts reaching the ply or cords (1.11%) and brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1%). Before you buy, check the coil springs for fractures or breaks, measure the tyre tread, look for cuts and check the brake pads. Ask to see the MOT history as well.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Audi Q3 ages
Each point is the share of Audi Q3s of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Audi Q3 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 7.3% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 9.2% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 11.2% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 13.5% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 16.2% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 19.2% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 21.6% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 23.8% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 26% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 25.2% | 37.3% |
By year
The best and worst Audi Q3 years
2020 cars come out best and 2012 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Q3 | 5,043 | 7% | 43% fewer fails | 28,180 |
| 2020 Q3 | 25,003 | 6.9% | 45% fewer fails | 29,177 |
| 2019 Q3 | 41,025 | 8.2% | 39% fewer fails | 32,105 |
| 2018 Q3 | 46,707 | 10.6% | 30% fewer fails | 38,209 |
| 2017 Q3 | 58,655 | 12.3% | 32% fewer fails | 46,395 |
| 2016 Q3 | 59,815 | 15.5% | 27% fewer fails | 55,738 |
| 2015 Q3 | 51,348 | 17.7% | 28% fewer fails | 63,984 |
| 2014 Q3 | 50,392 | 20.6% | 27% fewer fails | 74,325 |
| 2013 Q3 | 42,839 | 23.6% | 26% fewer fails | 83,471 |
| 2012 Q3 | 24,567 | 25.8% | 26% fewer fails | 90,853 |
| 2011 Q3 | 1,771 | 26.4% | 27% fewer fails | 89,797 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Audi Q3
Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension5.2%3% below avg
- Tyres5.2%13% below avg
- Lights and electrics2.7%61% below avg
- Brakes2.4%46% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2%46% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.3%25% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.6%64% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags0.4%24% below avg
- Number plates and VIN0.3%2% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.73% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.84% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.11% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 0.84% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 6
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.71% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.66% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 8
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.52% of tests
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Audi Q3's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.08%
- Brake disc pitted or scored9.47%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking6.87%
- Brake pads wearing thin6.4%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.12%
- Shock absorber light oil misting3.66%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Audi Q3
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 4
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Audi Q3 covers about 8,600 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel57.5%
- Petrol42.5%
- Hybrid0%
- Other0%
Most common colours
Grey, White, Black, Blue, Silver
Average engine size: 1.8 litres.
Compare
How the Audi Q3 compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Audi Q5 | 15.3% | 38% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Audi Q3 | 15.5% | 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volvo XC60 | 19.5% | 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota RAV4 | 25.3% | 20% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Land Rover Freelander | 33.4% | 17% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Hyundai Tucson | 17.5% | 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot 3008 | 28.6% | 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every family suv ranked in the family suv reliability index, or all Audi models.
Questions
Audi Q3 questions, answered
Is the Audi Q3 reliable?
On MOT results, the Audi Q3 is better than average: it fails 15.5% of first MOT tests, 29% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 14 of 59 family suv models in our index.
What fails most on a Audi Q3 MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Audi Q3 are coil spring fractured or broken (2.73% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.84% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.11% of tests). By area, suspension fails 5.2% of its tests.
Which Audi Q3 year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (45% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2012 cars do worst (26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Audi Q3 do a year?
A typical Audi Q3 covers about 8,600 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Audi Q3 before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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