2025 Audi A3: known problems and what to check
Cars registered in 2025 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2025 Audi A3, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2025 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.
- Some cars
Brake servo rod and seatbelt recalls
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.
- All engines
Infotainment, electrical faults and warning lights
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2025 Audi A3
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the brake servo and seatbelt recalls been done?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2025 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Looking at an Audi A3?
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Other years
Every year of the Audi A3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 974 | Tyres 20% |
| 2022 | 18,505 | Tyres 31% |
| 2021 | 41,315 | Tyres 30% |
| 2020 | 47,132 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 62,687 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 80,317 | Tyres 29% |
| 2017 | 101,012 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 116,251 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 124,508 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 116,471 | Tyres 31% |
| 2013 | 81,869 | Tyres 33% |
| 2012 | 76,743 | Suspension 35% |
| 2011 | 64,352 | Suspension 41% |
| 2010 | 74,207 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 66,724 | Suspension 45% |
| 2008 | 56,467 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 44,093 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 36,013 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 24,083 | Suspension 52% |
| 2004 | 10,569 | Suspension 52% |
| 2003 | 4,877 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 3,732 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 2,674 | Suspension 47% |
| 2000 | 1,738 | Suspension 48% |
| 1999 | 976 | Suspension 47% |
| 1998 | 747 | Brakes 48% |
| 1997 | 306 | Brakes 49% |
| 1996 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score