Audi RS3 8Y (2021-present) reliability
Audi RS3 8Y built around 2022: more fails still not passed 3 days later
Audi RS3 8Y models built around 2022 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.
Looking at an Audi RS3 8Y?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
3.1% of MOT tests on Audi RS3 8Y models built around 2022 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 1.5%.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi RS3 8Y models built around 2022 involves the tyres.
Based on 978 tests of RS3 models registered 2021+.
About 1 in 12 petrol RS3 cars registered in 2022 (8.7%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 965 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 30 RS3 8Y MOTs (3.1%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2022 (3 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 922 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.2% and 4.5%. 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 RS3 8Y MOTs (3.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2022 (3 years old).
Based on 922 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 2.7% and 5.2%. 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 4 years old.
How the RS3 8Y compares
At each age below, see how the RS3 8Y holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 122,713 tests across 26 Audi models, built around 2022 (3 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.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Registration Plates
Worth checkingInspect the registration plates carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
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 RS3 8Y.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 7%
No clear edge over the Audi RS3 8Y on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
2,689 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Audi RS3 8Y on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
35,996 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 3
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 9.8%
No clear edge over the Audi RS3 8Y on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
5,171 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 4
Volkswagen ID.3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.5%
No clear edge over the Audi RS3 8Y on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
4,094 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
- 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
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Audi RS3 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
8Y variants compared
RS3 8Y variants built around 2022
The fail rate for each RS3 8Y variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- RS 3 VORSPRUNG TFSI QUATTRO SA7.1%367 tests
- RS 3 CARBON BLACK TFSI QUAT SA9.3%279 tests
Most common issues on Audi RS3 models of this age
This list covers every Audi RS3 built around 2022, 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
- 110.4%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 26.7%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 33.9%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
- 41.3%Minor
Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly
- 51.1%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
Based on 922 tests
Looking at an Audi RS3 8Y?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2022 (3 years old), the Audi RS3 8Y (2021-present) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 922 3-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.