Audi S3 8Y (2020-present) reliability
Audi S3 8Y built around 2020: not enough MOT data yet
We've only seen a handful of Audi S3 8Y models built around 2020 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.
Looking at an Audi S3 8Y?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.
Based on 3,585 tests of S3 models registered 2020+.
About 1 in 10 petrol S3 cars registered in 2022 (9.6%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 1,446 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
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 S3 8Y compares
At each age below, see how the S3 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.
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 S3 8Y.
- 1
Citroen C5
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.6%
No clear edge over the Audi S3 8Y on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
7,168 MOT tests on cars built around 2020
- 2
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.7%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
More still registered at 10 years: 96%, against 89% for the Audi S3 8Y.
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
- 3
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.6%
No clear edge over the Audi S3 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
- 4
Volkswagen E-Golf
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.5%
No clear edge over the Audi S3 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
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.
How S3 8Y cars have aged
How S3 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
Most common issues on Audi S3 models of this age
This list covers every Audi S3 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
- 114.4%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 210.1%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 37.7%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 45.7%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
- 53.4%Advisory
Tyre has a cut that does not reach the ply or cords
Based on 298 tests
Looking at an Audi S3 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 S3 8Y (2020-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 282 5-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.