Audi A3 8Y (2020–2025): what fails at MOT
Across 12,571 MOT tests of the Audi A3 8Y (2020–2025) in the DfT's 2023 MOT data (initial tests, retests excluded), 9.8% failed — about 1 in 10. The parts that fail most are tyres (6.6% of tests), lights and electrics (1.5%), wipers, windscreen and mirrors (1.1%), brakes (0.4%) and seat belts and airbags (0.4%).
Allowing for age and mileage, the A3 8Y has 17% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. The best Audi A3 generation on MOT results is the A3 8V (2012–2020).
The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.
A3 8Y (2020–2025)
MOT: 9.8% of 12,571 initial tests failed — 17% fewer failures than the average car of the same age and mileage
| # | Part / area | Share of MOT tests failing |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | tyres | 6.6% |
| 2 | lights and electrics | 1.5% |
| 3 | wipers, windscreen and mirrors | 1.1% |
| 4 | brakes | 0.4% |
| 5 | seat belts and airbags | 0.4% |
Questions
What fails most on a Audi A3 8Y at MOT?
The most common MOT failure is tyres: 6.6% of Audi A3 8Y (2020–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed on tyres. Next come lights and electrics (1.5%) and wipers, windscreen and mirrors (1.1%).
How often does a Audi A3 8Y fail its MOT?
9.8% of Audi A3 8Y (2020–2025) MOT tests in the 2023 data failed (about 1 in 10), counting initial tests only, across 12,571 tests.
Is the Audi A3 8Y (2020–2025) reliable?
On MOT results, the Audi A3 8Y has 17% fewer MOT failures than the average car of the same age and mileage. MOT data covers safety and emissions items, not engines or gearboxes.
Does this Audi A3 8Y data cover engine and gearbox problems?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions items — brakes, suspension, steering, lights, tyres, body structure and exhaust emissions. It does not test engines, gearboxes or most electronics, so those faults only show up here when they cause an emissions failure or a leak.