Audi S3 models built around 2022 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.
Key figure
9% of MOT tests on Audi S3 models built around 2022 ended in a fail (retests included), against 10% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Audi S3 models built around 2022 involves the tyres.
Before you view it
The Audi S3's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.
Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
By build year
Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.
Find your S3's generation
Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.
9.0% fail rate, built around 2021 (4 years old)
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 9 MOTs, 11.4%)
14.0% fail rate, built around 2016 (9 years old)
Likely between 9.4% and 20.3%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 20.8%)
22.0% fail rate, built around 2012 (13 years old)
Likely between 17.7% and 27.0%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 27.7%)
22.9% fail rate, built around 2003 (22 years old)
Likely between 17.4% and 29.6%
Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 30.7%)
Not sure which one you're looking at?
Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Audi S3.
See every build year for the Audi S3Side-by-side
Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.
| Generation | Rating | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 8Y (2020-present) | No ratingToo close to call between ratings | 9.0%built around 2021 (4 years old)from 1,227 MOT tests at this age |
| 8V (2013-2019) | No ratingNot enough tests to rate | 14.0%likely between 9.4% and 20.3%built around 2016 (9 years old)from 157 MOT tests at this age |
| 8P (2006-2012) | No ratingNot enough tests to rate | 22.0%likely between 17.7% and 27.0%built around 2012 (13 years old)from 309 MOT tests at this age |
| Older models (before 2005) | No rating | 22.9%likely between 17.4% and 29.6%built around 2003 (22 years old)from 179 MOT tests at this age |
Each row is one generation of the S3, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.
By age
This chart combines every Audi S3 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.
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 25+ years old.
All generations of this model
These issues come from 3-year-old Audi S3 models, every generation combined.
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Brake pads wearing thin
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 1,667 MOT tests on 3-year-old Audi S3 models, every generation combined.
All generations of this model
The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 3-year-old Audi S3 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.
Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.
Across 119 MOT tests on Audi S3 cars built around 2022 (3 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.
Still registered
How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.
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).
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Audi S3 name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
Like-for-like
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Audi S3 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
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Audi S3 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
5,171 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
Same body type, tested at the same age
More still registered at 10 years: 96%, against 89% for the Audi S3.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.
35,996 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
Same body type, tested at the same age
No clear edge over the Audi S3 on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,385 MOT tests on cars built around 2022
Common questions
Built around 2022 (3 years old), the Audi S3 across all generations combined fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 1,667 3-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.
