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Audi A2 reliability by build year

Coverage 2000-20051 named generationHatchbackDIESEL / PETROL
At a glance

Audi A2 built around 2002: about average at the MOT

Audi A2 models built around 2002 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check an Audi A2 by number plate

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Audi A2 models built around 2002 ended in a fail (retests included), against 33% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A2 models built around 2002 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Audi A2's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your A2's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

A2 8Z

8Z (2000-2005)

Not enough tests to rate
PETROLDIESEL

33.4% fail rate, built around 2002 (23 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 30.1%)

From 1,738 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Audi A2.

See every build year for the Audi A2

By age

Audi A2 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Audi A2 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
34629.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
1,70630.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
1,67531.8%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,68931.6%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
1,73833.4%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
82932.1%

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 23 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 23-year-old Audi A2 models

These issues come from 23-year-old Audi A2 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    20.8%
    Advisory: 354Fail: 10 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    16.3%
    Advisory: 376Fail: 35 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    16.2%
    Advisory: 279Fail: 101 (27% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    14.3%
    Advisory: 304Fail: 50 (14% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

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

    14.2%
    Advisory: 226Fail: 95 (30% of the times it was found)

Based on 1,738 MOT tests on 23-year-old Audi A2 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 23-year-old Audi A2 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Suspension38%
  2. Lighting + Suspension29%
  3. Suspension + Tyres28%
  4. Brakes + Lighting25%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 1,154 MOT tests on Audi A2 cars built around 2002 (23 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Audi A2.

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.

Recall context

2 recalls in all

1 of the 2 Audi A2 recalls covers cars built in these years.

  • 1 recall

Top concerns

  • Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break

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

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Honda Civic

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    No clear edge over the Audi A2 on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,697 MOT tests on cars built around 2002

  2. 2

    Honda Jazz

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.8%
    Dangerous
    6.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    98%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 7.8%, against 12.0% for the Audi A2.

    6 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,469 MOT tests on cars built around 2002

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2002 (23 years old), the Audi A2 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,738 23-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Audi A2 ever sold: 7,983 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2002 (23 years old): 1,738 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.