2013 Audi A3: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2013 Audi A3?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2013 Audi A3 than on all cars registered in 2013.

• Link ball joint covers1.9× usual
  Audi A3

  2.9% All 2013 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 0.9% of all 2013 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Common 2013 Audi A3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Audi A3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  24% 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.

• Suspension
  23% 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 electrics
  11% 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 mirrors
  7% 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 leaks
  5% 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 on the 2013 Audi A3

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 housing

  TFSI 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

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A3 8V reliability guide

• S tronic automatic

  S 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.

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A3 8V reliability guide

• 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

  Source: Euro Premium Parts: Audi A3 8V reliability guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Audi A3

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2013 Audi A3 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?