Audi A3 8Y (2020-present) reliability
Audi A3 8Y built around 2020: about average at the MOT
Audi A3 8Y models built around 2020 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Looking at an Audi A3 8Y?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
11% of MOT tests on Audi A3 8Y models built around 2020 ended in a fail (retests included), against 12% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi A3 8Y models built around 2020 involves the tyres.
Based on 53,457 tests of A3 models registered 2020+.
About 1 in 10 petrol A3 cars registered in 2022 (10.2%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 11,754 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 75 A3 8Y MOTs (1.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2020 (5 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 9,432 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 8Y MOTs (4.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2020 (5 years old).
Based on 9,432 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
8Y 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 5 years old.
How the A3 8Y compares
At each age below, see how the A3 8Y holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 119,144 tests across 23 Audi models, built around 2020 (5 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 8Y.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.6%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8Y on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,440 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Citroen C5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.6%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8Y on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
7,168 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 3
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8Y 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.
44,857 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 4
Volkswagen E-Golf
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
No clear edge over the Audi A3 8Y on these figures.
10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
3,917 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 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.
Recall context
26 recalls in all4 of the 26 A3 8Y recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 4 recalls
Top concerns
- On affected vehicles an electrical connector for the power supply for the fuse carrier in the interior of the vehicle ma
- Restraining capacity of the belt system for the front seats may be lower than intended in the event of an accident
- The bolted connection on the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal can be come loose
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2020 (5 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol A3 tests (not specific to 8Y).
How A3 8Y cars have aged
How A3 8Y 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.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
8Y variants compared
A3 8Y variants built around 2020
The fail rate for each A3 8Y variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- A310.6%3,021 tests
- A3 S LINE 35 TFSI10.2%935 tests
- A3 S LINE 35 TFSI MHEV S-A8.4%872 tests
- A3 TECHNIK 30 TFSI11.1%522 tests
- A3 S LINE 30 TFSI12.1%405 tests
- A3 TECHNIK 35 TFSI11.2%356 tests
- A3 SPORT 30 TFSI10.9%331 tests
- A3 SPORT 35 TFSI12.7%259 tests
Hybrid electric
- A3 E-TRON 40 S-A15.9%826 tests
Diesel
- A313.7%469 tests
- A3 S LINE 35 TDI S-A12.1%315 tests
Most common issues on Audi A3 models of this age
This list covers every Audi A3 built around 2020, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 8Y on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 117.8%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 210.9%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 310.5%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 45.5%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 54.8%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
Based on 17,791 tests
Looking at an Audi A3 8Y?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2020 (5 years old), the Audi A3 8Y (2020-present) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 9,432 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.