2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Audi A3 MOT pass rate and common faults

20,982 MOT tests in 2024. 88.9% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time88.9%
Failed or needed repairs11.1%
Typical mileage at test26,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 20,982 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.9%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    528 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    567 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.8%
    195 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    107 marked dangerous
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.3%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.3%
  9. Headlamp aim: too high0.3%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Tyres8.6%
  2. Lights & electrics1.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.2%
  4. Suspension0.4%
  5. Brakes0.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.3%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.7%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords3.3%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre3.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 A3All A3 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Audi A3?

In 2024, 88.9% of 2021 Audi A3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 20,982 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Audi A3?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Audi A3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).