Audi Q3: what fails at MOT
216,000 MOT tests on the Audi Q3 in 2024, counted. 14.6% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
14.6% of Audi Q3 tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 20.1%, so the Q3 does better than most cars its age.
It fails most often on tyres (3.3% of tests), suspension (3.2% of tests) and brakes (1.6% of tests).
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19,334 | 7.5% | 10.9% | 24,800 18,100 to 32,900 |
| 2020 | 22,202 | 6.8% | 11.5% | 30,000 22,300 to 38,900 |
| 2019 | 23,605 | 8.3% | 13.4% | 35,700 27,100 to 46,400 |
| 2018 | 21,241 | 11.2% | 15.6% | 45,300 34,500 to 56,600 |
| 2017 | 26,377 | 12.9% | 18.2% | 53,400 41,300 to 66,800 |
| 2016 | 26,566 | 16.3% | 21.3% | 63,000 48,800 to 78,700 |
| 2015 | 22,821 | 18.7% | 24.4% | 70,700 55,600 to 88,600 |
| 2014 | 22,717 | 20.9% | 27.7% | 80,500 62,900 to 100,100 |
| 2013 | 19,457 | 23.5% | 30.6% | 89,500 70,200 to 109,000 |
| 2012 | 11,063 | 25.5% | 33.4% | 96,800 76,700 to 120,400 |
| 2011 | 796 | 26.0% | 36.1% | 94,700 78,100 to 119,000 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Audi Q3 tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Q3 | Cars its age | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 3.3% | 3.9% | |
| Suspension | 3.2% | 3.4% | |
| Brakes | 1.6% | 2.9% | Less than most |
| Lights and electrics | 1.6% | 4.5% | Less than most |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen | 1.3% | 2.3% | Less than most |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.8% | 1.2% | |
| Body and structure | 0.4% | 1.1% |
The parts that fail most
- Tyre1.9%
- Coil spring1.8%
- Tyre tread1.5%
- Brake pads0.9%
- Suspension pins and bushes0.7%
- Washers0.7%
- Headlamp aim0.6%
- Engine warning light0.6%
- Wipers0.6%
- Brake discs0.4%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.8%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm1.4%
- Tyre: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.9%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.7%
- Engine warning light: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.6%
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.6%
- Tyre: has ply or cords exposed0.5%
- Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
- Headlamp aim: too low0.3%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge10.2%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened6.9%
- Tyre: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing5.4%
- Brake pads: wearing thin5.1%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement3.2%
- Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil2.5%
- Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.1%
- Nail in tyre1.8%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “How much tread is left on each tyre, and how old are they?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
Check a Audi Q3's own MOT record
Type the registration from the advert. You'll see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.