2003 · 21 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2003 Audi S3 MOT pass rate and common faults

115 MOT tests in 2024. 62.6% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time62.6%
Failed or needed repairs37.4%
Typical mileage at test131,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 115 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm5.2%
    10 marked dangerous
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.2%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault4.3%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.5%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low3.5%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.5%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.6%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken2.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes32.2%
  2. Lights & electrics26.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks19.1%
  4. Body & chassis16.5%
  5. Tyres11.3%
  6. Suspension10.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.3%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.6%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.7%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.9%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.2%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.7%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Audi S3?

In 2024, 62.6% of 2003 Audi S3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 115 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Audi S3?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Audi S3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).