Audi A3 8V (2012-2019) reliability
Audi A3 8V built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Audi A3 8V models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at an Audi A3 8V?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
12% of MOT tests on Audi A3 8V models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi A3 8V models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 306,513 tests of A3 models registered 2012-2019.
1.7% of A3 8V MOTs failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 34,120 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 20 A3 8V MOTs (5.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 34,120 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
8V fail rate by age
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 13 years old.
How the A3 8V compares
At each age below, see how the A3 8V holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 171,464 tests across 16 Audi models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
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 pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk 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 checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck 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 8V.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8V on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8V 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.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Fiat 500
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.9%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8V on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
MG 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.1%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8V 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.
3,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- 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
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 all7 of the 25 A3 8V recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 2 Critical
- 5 more
Top concerns
- Stop-drive Takata PSAN
- Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended
- Replacing Takata driver airbag
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on A3 8V cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,779 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol A3 tests (not specific to 8V).
How A3 8V cars have aged
How A3 8V 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.
How each part holds up as 8V cars age
How each part holds up as 8V cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 3% | 2% | 4% | 4% |
| Brakes | 5% | 6% | 7% | 9% |
| Emissions | 3% | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Tyres | 20% | 24% | 26% | 30% |
| Lighting | 3% | 3% | 4% | 5% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 327 to 1,793 cars at each age.
8V variants compared
A3 8V variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each A3 8V variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- A311.6%25,593 tests
Diesel
- A313.8%7,895 tests
Hybrid electric
- A311.4%606 tests
Most common issues on Audi A3 models of this age
This list covers every Audi A3 built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 8V on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 118.0%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.7%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 39.9%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 47.0%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.5%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Based on 34,120 tests
Looking at an Audi A3 8V?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Audi A3 8V (2012-2019) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 34,120 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.