Used car guide

2013 Audi S3: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Audi S3 first registered in 2013: we looked at the 640 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

640MOTs of 2013 cars, done in 2023–2025
84%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%)
7,600typical miles a year
21%had tyres flagged

Common 2013 Audi S3 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2013 Audi S3 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    21% 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
    15% 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
    14% 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
    6% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2013 Audi S3

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?

Looking at an Audi S3?

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 S3 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
20221,703Tyres 22%
20213,191Tyres 21%
20201,819Tyres 21%
2019–Too few tests
2018–Too few tests
2017165Tyres 18%
2016225Tyres 17%
2015453Tyres 19%
20142,107Tyres 22%
2012522Tyres 23%
2011870Suspension 27%
20101,036Suspension 27%
2009805Suspension 27%
2008824Suspension 31%
2007939Suspension 28%
2006–Too few tests
2003322Brakes 39%
2002504Suspension 32%
2001317Suspension 33%
2000233Suspension 40%
1999129Suspension 51%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Audi S3 cars first registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score