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Audi A3 8P (2003-2011) reliability

At a glance

Audi A3 8P built around 2011: about average at the MOT

Audi A3 8P models built around 2011 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at an Audi A3 8P?

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

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Audi A3 8P models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 28% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi A3 8P models built around 2011 involves the tyres.

Audi A3 8P
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2003-2011HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 152,020 tests of A3 models registered 2003-2011.

About 1 in 15 A3 8P MOTs (6.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 28,941 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 A3 8P MOTs (7.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 28,941 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

8P fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
11,88227.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
28,94127.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
29,91928.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
24,55328.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
20,42730.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
15,08931.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
11,29531.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
6,54432.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,35632.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,01431.4%

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 20 years old.

How the A3 8P compares

At each age below, see how the A3 8P holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 99,150 tests across 16 Audi models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateAudi average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
11,88227.0%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
28,94127.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
29,91928.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
24,55328.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
20,42730.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
15,08931.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
11,29531.7%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
6,54432.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
2,35632.3%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
1,01431.4%

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.

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension 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.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the A3 8P.

  1. 1

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.5%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 19.9%, against 27.2% for the Audi A3 8P, both built around 2011.

    2,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Audi A3 8P on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    37,931 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.7%
    Dangerous
    5.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 24.8%, against 27.2% for the Audi A3 8P, both built around 2011.

    9,652 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Renault Grand Modus

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    34%

    No clear edge over the Audi A3 8P on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    1,084 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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

92%of all Audi A3 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% · The same

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

25 recalls in all

9 of the 25 A3 8P recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 4 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Stop-drive Takata PSAN
  • Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
  • Curtain airbag may not inflate in a collision

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

How A3 8P cars have aged

How A3 8P 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%30%10121416182022Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.1% (18,792 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (18,309 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (17,594 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (16,689 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (15,658 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (23,285 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.2% (22,300 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.4% (21,343 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.3% (19,573 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (18,061 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (21,926 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (20,723 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (19,415 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (17,427 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (15,327 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (21,117 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (19,476 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (17,790 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (15,358 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (12,992 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (17,528 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (15,787 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (13,617 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (11,323 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (9,255 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (16,449 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (14,017 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (11,829 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (9,487 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (7,594 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.9% (12,077 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (9,904 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (8,021 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (6,179 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (4,673 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (5,614 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (4,348 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (3,301 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (2,316 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,709 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (2,800 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (2,092 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (1,701 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.2% (1,325 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,014 tests, 2025 data)2003
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
8P variants compared

A3 8P variants built around 2011

The fail rate for each A3 8P variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • A327.5%18,693 tests

Petrol

  • A326.7%10,237 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Audi A3 models of this age

This list covers every Audi A3 built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 8P 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

    24.7%
    Advisory: 9,907Fail: 945 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    20.9%
    Advisory: 9,950Fail: 621 (6% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    20.1%
    Advisory: 8,215Fail: 1,240 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    12.3%
    Advisory: 4,681Fail: 66 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.3%
    Advisory: 3,515Fail: 973 (22% of the times it was found)

Based on 28,941 tests

Looking at an Audi A3 8P?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Audi A3 8P (2003-2011) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 28,941 14-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 152,020 MOT tests on Audi A3 models first registered between 2003-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.