Used car guide

2017 Audi A3: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Petrol 87% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Nothing stands out above the usual rate 65,967 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Diesel 84% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Stands out: shock absorbers 1.7× 33,320 MOTsSee the diesel guide › Hybrid 85% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) Nothing stands out above the usual rate 1,725 MOTsSee the hybrid guide ›

Known faults on every 2017 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.

  • 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

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Other years

Every year of the Audi A3 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023964Tyres 20%
202218,492Tyres 31%
202141,311Tyres 30%
202047,132Tyres 28%
201962,682Tyres 29%
201880,317Tyres 29%
2016116,251Tyres 30%
2015124,508Tyres 31%
2014116,471Tyres 31%
201381,869Tyres 33%
201276,741Suspension 35%
201164,352Suspension 41%
201074,207Suspension 45%
200966,721Suspension 45%
200856,466Suspension 46%
200744,093Suspension 49%
200636,013Suspension 52%
200524,083Suspension 52%
200410,569Suspension 52%
20034,877Suspension 51%
20023,732Suspension 49%
20012,674Suspension 47%
20001,738Suspension 48%
1999972Suspension 47%
1998740Brakes 48%
1997299Brakes 48%
1996–Too few tests