2016 Audi A3: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Audi A3s, from 38,701 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Audi A3s than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Suspension arm3.3× usualAudi A32.3% All 2016 cars0.7%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 2% here, against 6.1% of all 2016 cars.
By area
The share of 2016 Audi A3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres30% 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.
- Brakes21% 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.
- Suspension13% 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 electrics7% 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 mirrors5% 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 leaks3% 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
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.
- Coolant leaks from the water pump housingTFSI petrol
The plastic cooling module on the TFSI petrol engines can leak, usually after 60,000 miles.
At the viewing: Look for coolant crust around the engine, check the level, and notice any sweet smell.
- S tronic automaticS 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.
- 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20,535 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 26,884 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 33,702 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 41,476 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 38,595 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 26,942 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 24,851 | Suspension 41% |
| 2011 | 20,514 | Suspension 46% |
| 2010 | 23,075 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 20,109 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 16,241 | Suspension 51% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2016 Audi A3s registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score