2018 Audi A3: common problems and MOT failures

Common 2018 Audi A3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Audi A3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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
  17% 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
  5% 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 mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Lights and electrics
  3% 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 seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2018 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 2018 Audi A3

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

1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?