Used car guide

2021 Audi A1: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Audi A1s, from 8,177 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

8,177MOT tests in 2025
90%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
7,100typical miles a year
1.5×the usual rate for tyre condition

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 Audi A1s than on all cars registered in 2021.

  • Tyre condition1.5× usual
    Audi A1
    17.6% All 2021 cars
    11.5%
    Rough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

  • Brake pads1.7× usual
    Audi A1
    11.6% All 2021 cars
    6.8%
    Rough price £80–£180

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Brake discs1.5× usual
    Audi A1
    11% All 2021 cars
    7.1%
    Rough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

By area

The share of 2021 Audi A1 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    30% 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
    19% 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
    4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Suspension
    2% 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.

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

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

Looking at a Audi A1?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20228,839Tyres 27%
20209,714Tyres 30%
201919,948Tyres 30%
201819,881Tyres 33%
201722,864Tyres 33%
201625,401Tyres 33%
201523,463Tyres 34%
201422,862Tyres 34%
201322,168Tyres 35%
201218,213Suspension 36%
201115,707Suspension 43%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Audi A1s registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score