2023 Audi A3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Audi A3 first registered in 2023 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 804 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Common 2023 Audi A3 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2023 Audi A3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Suspension3% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors3% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts1% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Brakes1% 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.
- Lights and electrics1% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Known faults on the 2023 Audi A3 petrol
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.
- Some cars
Brake servo rod and seatbelt recalls
The bolted rod between the brake servo and pedal could loosen and lose normal braking, and the front seatbelts might not restrain properly. An interior electrical connector was also recalled.
At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recalls were done.
- All engines
Infotainment, electrical faults and warning lights
59% of cars in What Car?'s survey had a fault, mostly infotainment (44%) and electrics, often needing a week or more in the workshop. Diesels had recurring exhaust system faults.
At the viewing: Use the screen, check for warning lights and test the electrics.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2023 Audi A3 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the brake servo and seatbelt recalls been done?
- 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 |
| 2022 | 18,492 | Tyres 31% |
| 2021 | 41,311 | Tyres 30% |
| 2020 | 47,132 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 62,682 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 80,317 | 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 2023. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score