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Audi A1 8X (2010-2017) reliability

At a glance

Audi A1 8X built around 2017: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Audi A1 8X models built around 2017 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at an Audi A1 8X?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Audi A1 8X models built around 2017 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 5% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A1 8X models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Audi A1 8X
average reliability2010-2017HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 197,056 tests of A1 models registered 2010-2017.

About 1 in 30 A1 8X MOTs (3.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 30,298 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 A1 8X MOTs (6.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 30,298 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

8X fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
11,12518.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
30,29819.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
31,61720.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
29,31321.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
30,16023.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
27,37225.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
23,11626.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
13,72226.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
33326.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 14 years old.

How the A1 8X compares

At each age below, see how the A1 8X holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 185,354 tests across 14 Audi models, built around 2017 (8 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
11,12518.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
30,29819.8%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
31,61720.5%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
29,31321.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
30,16023.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
27,37225.3%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
23,11626.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
13,72226.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
33326.1%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A1 8X.

  1. 1

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    3.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.8%, against 19.8% for the Audi A1 8X, both built around 2017.

    8,362 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    4.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 14.2%, against 19.8% for the Audi A1 8X, both built around 2017.

    25,277 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Volkswagen up!

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.7%

    Lower fail rate: 17.1%, against 19.8% for the Audi A1 8X, both built around 2017.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    15,367 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Peugeot 108

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.5%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 19.8% for the Audi A1 8X, both built around 2017.

    16,829 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

95%of all Audi A1 cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

1 recall in all

1 A1 8X recall covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2017 (8 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol A1 tests (not specific to 8X).

Under 1.0 litre21.0%7,299 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres18.6%16,948 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres13.7%782 tests
How A1 8X cars have aged

How A1 8X cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%468101214Age at MOTBuilt around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.6% (17,869 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.1% (17,388 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (17,400 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.0% (17,320 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.0% (17,083 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 12.3% (19,100 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.1% (19,104 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (18,995 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (18,995 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (18,951 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (17,536 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 15.5% (17,328 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.7% (17,154 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (17,236 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.0% (17,133 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (17,355 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (17,288 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (17,450 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (17,331 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.6% (17,479 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.6% (16,980 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (16,949 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.7% (16,819 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (16,884 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (16,950 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (14,716 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (14,629 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (14,522 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.9% (14,249 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (13,929 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (13,543 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (13,321 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (13,116 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (12,719 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (12,243 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (529 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.3% (482 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (417 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (350 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (333 tests, 2025 data)2010
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
8X variants compared

A1 8X variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each A1 8X variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • A119.2%25,020 tests

Diesel

  • A122.7%5,264 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Audi A1 models of this age

This list covers every Audi A1 built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 8X on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    19.5%
    Advisory: 8,062Fail: 897 (10% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    16.4%
    Advisory: 5,292Fail: 2,076 (28% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    13.8%
    Advisory: 5,842Fail: 140 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.4%
    Advisory: 5,079Fail: 905 (15% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.9%
    Advisory: 3,025Fail: 583 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 30,298 tests

Looking at an Audi A1 8X?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2017 (8 years old), the Audi A1 8X (2010-2017) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 30,298 8-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 197,056 MOT tests on Audi A1 models first registered between 2010-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.