Part of the Audi A3 Mk3 (8V) (2012–2020) guide: best and worst years compared.
2018 Audi A3 hybrid: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the hybrid Audi A3 first registered in 2018 (hybrid cars only): we looked at the 1,402 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2018 Audi A3 hybrid MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Audi A3 hybrid MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres35% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes11% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Lights and electrics2% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Suspension2% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
Known faults on the 2018 Audi A3 hybrid
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- TFSI petrol
Coolant leaks from the water pump housing
The plastic cooling module on the TFSI petrol engines can leak, usually after 60,000 miles.
At the viewing: Look for coolant crust around the engine, check the level, and notice any sweet smell.
If it needs doing: Water pump, about £115–£375. ClickMechanic
- S tronic automatic only
S tronic automatic
The S tronic gearbox can jerk or hesitate at low speed, usually when its oil changes have been skipped.
At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, pull away gently from a standstill several times and ask for proof of gearbox servicing.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Audi A3 hybrid
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi A3?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Audi A3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 964 | Tyres 20% |
| 2022 | 18,492 | Tyres 31% |
| 2021 | 41,311 | Tyres 30% |
| 2020 | 47,132 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 62,682 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 101,012 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 116,251 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 124,508 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 116,471 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 81,869 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 76,741 | Suspension 35% |
| 2011 | 64,352 | Suspension 41% |
| 2010 | 74,207 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 66,721 | Suspension 45% |
| 2008 | 56,466 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 44,093 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 36,013 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 24,083 | Suspension 52% |
| 2004 | 10,569 | Suspension 52% |
| 2003 | 4,877 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 3,732 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 2,674 | Suspension 47% |
| 2000 | 1,738 | Suspension 48% |
| 1999 | 972 | Suspension 47% |
| 1998 | 740 | Brakes 48% |
| 1997 | 299 | Brakes 48% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Audi A3 cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score