Part of the Audi A3 Mk3 (8V) (2012–2020) guide: best and worst years compared.
2020 Audi A3: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 Audi A3s, from 15,780 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 2020 Audi A3s than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Shock absorbers2.3× usualAudi A34.5% All 2020 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
By area
The share of 2020 Audi A3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes13% 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.
- Suspension6% 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 mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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.
If it needs doing: Water pump, about £115–£375. ClickMechanic
- 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.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 951 | Tyres 21% |
| 2022 | 17,771 | Tyres 32% |
| 2021 | 20,621 | Tyres 30% |
| 2019 | 20,857 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 26,892 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 33,712 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 38,712 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 41,485 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 38,607 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 26,952 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 24,856 | Suspension 41% |
| 2011 | 20,520 | Suspension 46% |
| 2010 | 23,082 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 20,114 | Suspension 49% |
| 2008 | 16,251 | Suspension 51% |
| 2007 | 12,204 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 9,748 | Suspension 55% |
| 2005 | 6,094 | Suspension 54% |
| 2004 | 2,576 | Suspension 54% |
| 2003 | 1,234 | Suspension 52% |
| 2002 | 966 | Suspension 51% |
| 2001 | 725 | Suspension 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2020 Audi A3s registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score