Audi A3

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 25 model years from 784,288 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

80%

Total Tests

784,288

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (94%)

Years Covered

About the Audi A3

The Audi A3 was MOT tested 784,288 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 25 model years (1997 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 80%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 94% from 547 tests. The 1997 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 26 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Audi A3s pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 14 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1997) averages 128,771 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 26,069 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Audi brand average of 90%, the A3 is 10 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Audi models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1984cc)

£1,634

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£2,089

Per month£174/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Audi A3?

vs average of all models-2% (82% avg)

vs Audi brand average-10% (90% avg)

Best to worst year spread26 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Audi A3 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	94%	547	26,069 mi
2020	93%	10,059	34,019 mi
2019	92%	41,215	42,207 mi
2018	92%	54,110	49,870 mi
2017	91%	68,023	59,583 mi
2016	90%	75,823	68,522 mi
2015	88%	80,797	78,897 mi
2014	86%	77,639	89,137 mi
2013	84%	55,981	99,882 mi
2012	80%	52,278	108,680 mi
2011	79%	44,226	116,751 mi
2010	77%	50,328	117,064 mi
2009	77%	46,405	123,921 mi
2008	76%	39,032	129,049 mi
2007	75%	30,361	136,508 mi
2006	73%	24,088	138,100 mi
2005	72%	15,865	139,734 mi
2004	72%	7,027	137,597 mi
2003	74%	3,274	137,992 mi
2002	72%	2,361	141,296 mi
2001	74%	1,685	130,310 mi
2000	71%	1,019	128,899 mi
1999	72%	888	127,410 mi
1998	70%	872	125,923 mi
1997	68%	385	128,771 mi

Questions about the Audi A3

Is the Audi A3 reliable?

Across its 25 model years in our data (1997 to 2021), the Audi A3 averages an 80% MOT pass rate, from 784,288 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 2 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 94%.

Which year Audi A3 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Audi A3 has the highest MOT pass rate at 94%, while the 1997 model has the lowest at 68%, a 26 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.