2020 Audi A3 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Audi A3 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Audi A3 diesel than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Shock absorbers2.9× usual
  Audi A3

  4.7% All 2020 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.7%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

Common 2020 Audi A3 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Audi A3 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Brakes
  14% 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 mirrors
  5% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  5% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2020 Audi A3 diesel

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.

• S tronic automatic

  S tronic automatic only

  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.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A3 8V reliability guide

• EGR valve and particulate filter (diesel)

  TDI diesel

  Short-trip diesels can clog the EGR valve and particulate filter, causing rough running and limp mode.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A3 8V reliability guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 Audi A3 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the 2020 Audi A3 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?