Audi A3 Mk3 (8V): best and worst years, and what goes wrong
How every year of the Audi A3 Mk3 (8V) did at its MOT in 2025 compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 251,686 MOT tests.
Year by year
First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Audi A3 Mk3 (8V), against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.
| Year | Pass first time | All cars that year | Stands out | MOT tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012* | 66% | 63% +3 | Suspension arm 2.8× usual | 24,851 |
| 2013 | 73% | 66% +7 | Link ball joint covers 2× usual | 26,942 |
| 2014 | 77% | 69% +8 | Shock absorbers 1.6× usual | 38,595 |
| 2015 | 80% | 72% +8 | Suspension arm 3.2× usual | 41,476 |
| 2016 | 83% | 75% +8 | Suspension arm 3.3× usual | 38,701 |
| 2017 | 85% | 78% +7 | Nothing unusual | 33,702 |
| 2018 | 87% | 81% +6 | Nothing unusual | 26,884 |
| 2019 | 86% | 84% +2 | Shock absorbers 1.8× usual | 20,535 |
Weak spots across the Audi A3 Mk3 (8V)
Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.
- Suspension armup to 3.3× usual
Stands out in 3 years: 2016, 2015, 2014.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Shock absorbersup to 1.8× usual
Stands out in 2 years: 2019, 2014.
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.
Known faults
From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.
- Coolant leaks from the water pump housing
The plastic cooling module on the TFSI petrol engines can leak, usually after 60,000 miles.
Check: 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 automatic
The S tronic gearbox can jerk or hesitate at low speed, usually when its oil changes have been skipped.
Check: 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)
Short-trip diesels can clog the EGR valve and particulate filter, causing rough running and limp mode.
Check: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights.
If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score
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