2011 Audi Q3 petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Audi Q3 first registered in 2011 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 453 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 453 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2011 Audi Q3 petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2011 Audi Q3 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension27% 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.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes22% 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 electrics12% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks5% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults on the 2011 Audi Q3 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.
- S tronic automatic
S tronic automatic faults
Some S tronic (DSG) gearboxes developed rough changes from internal faults. Most have been fixed by now, but a repair or replacement is very expensive.
At the viewing: Drive it for a while in traffic and check the changes are smooth in auto and manual modes.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi Q3 (2011-2018) reliability and common problems
- Cars with sat nav
Sat nav unit failure
A few owners have had the sat nav unit fail, which cost around £2,000 to replace.
At the viewing: Make sure the sat nav starts up and works.
Source: Carbuyer: used Audi Q3 (2011-2018) reliability and common problems
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Audi Q3 petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the gearbox had any work, and has its oil been changed on time?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at an Audi Q3?
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 Q3 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 | 459 | Tyres 12% |
| 2022 | 12,078 | Tyres 25% |
| 2021 | 22,737 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 37,861 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 41,509 | Tyres 28% |
| 2018 | 37,297 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 47,744 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 48,907 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 42,119 | Suspension 30% |
| 2014 | 40,996 | Suspension 33% |
| 2013 | 34,602 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 19,881 | Tyres 33% |
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 Q3 cars first registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score