Used car guide

2023 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 93% pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%) Nothing stands out above the usual rate 804 MOTsSee the petrol guide › Hybrid 89% pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%) Stands out: tread depth 2.6× 121 MOTsSee the hybrid guide ›

Diesel versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2023 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.

  • Brake servo rod and seatbelt recalls

    Some cars

    The bolted rod between the brake servo and pedal could loosen and lose normal braking, and the front seatbelts might not restrain properly. An interior electrical connector was also recalled.

    At the viewing: Ask an Audi dealer to confirm the recalls were done.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi A3 (2020 on) reliability

  • Infotainment, electrical faults and warning lights

    All engines

    59% of cars in What Car?'s survey had a fault, mostly infotainment (44%) and electrics, often needing a week or more in the workshop. Diesels had recurring exhaust system faults.

    At the viewing: Use the screen, check for warning lights and test the electrics.

    Source: What Car?: used Audi A3 (2020 on) reliability

Looking at an Audi A3?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

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
202218,492Tyres 31%
202141,311Tyres 30%
202047,132Tyres 28%
201962,682Tyres 29%
201880,317Tyres 29%
2017101,012Tyres 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