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Audi Q3 8U (2011-2017) reliability

At a glance

Audi Q3 8U built around 2017: about average at the MOT

Audi Q3 8U models built around 2017 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at an Audi Q3 8U?

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

Key figure

15% of MOT tests on Audi Q3 8U models built around 2017 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Audi Q3 8U models built around 2017 involves the tyres.

Audi Q3 8U
excellent reliability2011-2017SUVDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 99,029 tests of Q3 models registered 2011-2017.

About 1 in 30 Q3 8U MOTs (2.9%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2017 (8 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 19,381 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 25 Q3 8U MOTs (4.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2017 (8 years old).

Based on 19,381 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

8U 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
7,83113.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
19,38115.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
19,53618.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
17,48520.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
16,58322.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13,21623.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,85323.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14422.9%

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 Q3 8U compares

At each age below, see how the Q3 8U 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
7,83113.9%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
19,38115.1%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
19,53618.0%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
17,48520.7%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
16,58322.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
13,21623.4%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
4,85323.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
14422.9%

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.

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 SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Q3 8U.

  1. 1

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Lower fail rate: 7.4%, against 15.1% for the Audi Q3 8U, both built around 2017.

    1,993 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  2. 2

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.7%
    Dangerous
    2.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Lower fail rate: 10.0%, against 15.1% for the Audi Q3 8U, both built around 2017.

    3,954 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  3. 3

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    2.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Lower fail rate: 9.8%, against 15.1% for the Audi Q3 8U, both built around 2017.

    5,741 MOT tests on cars built around 2017

  4. 4

    Skoda Kodiaq

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    4.2%

    Lower fail rate: 11.8%, against 15.1% for the Audi Q3 8U, both built around 2017.

    3,518 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 Q3 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

11 recalls in all

3 of the 11 Q3 8U recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended
  • Failure of the front LED turn signal
  • Brake lights may fail when the electronic parking brake is operated

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

How Q3 8U cars have aged

How Q3 8U 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: 8.4% (12,075 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (11,540 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.5% (11,421 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 12.7% (11,144 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 14.2% (11,006 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 10.3% (11,940 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 11.6% (11,848 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.3% (11,827 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (11,656 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.1% (11,748 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 12.6% (10,097 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 13.7% (9,871 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.1% (9,855 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.5% (9,955 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 20.5% (10,098 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (10,191 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (10,096 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.7% (10,213 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (10,154 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (10,330 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.2% (8,965 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (8,837 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (9,091 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (8,933 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (8,927 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (4,605 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 19.8% (4,575 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (4,530 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 22.5% (4,446 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 23.8% (4,383 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 17.0% (176 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 19.9% (161 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 23.2% (155 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (153 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 22.9% (144 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2017First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014
8U variants compared

Q3 8U variants built around 2017

The fail rate for each Q3 8U variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • Q316.1%11,654 tests

Petrol

  • Q313.6%7,713 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Audi Q3 models of this age

This list covers every Audi Q3 built around 2017, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 8U 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

    18.4%
    Advisory: 5,207Fail: 535 (9% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    13.2%
    Advisory: 3,703Fail: 51 (1% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    12.1%
    Advisory: 3,443Fail: 497 (13% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    10.0%
    Advisory: 2,654Fail: 345 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    9.0%
    Advisory: 1,903Fail: 213 (10% of the times it was found)

Based on 19,381 tests

Looking at an Audi Q3 8U?

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 Q3 8U (2011-2017) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 19,381 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 99,029 MOT tests on Audi Q3 models first registered between 2011-2017. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.