Audi S3 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with an Audi S3?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Brake servo rod and seatbelt recalls

  Cars registered 2021–2025 · 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

  Cars registered 2021–2025 · 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

Common Audi S3 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Suspension arm

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011 and 2014.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Exhaust emissions (catalyst)

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2002 and 2010.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

Audi S3 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2008 Audi S3 did best (75% passed first time, 18 points above all 2008 cars) and the 2022 did worst (90%, 1 point above all 2022 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying an Audi S3

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

1. Have the brake servo and seatbelt recalls been done?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the Audi S3 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust emissions (catalyst)? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the Audi S3 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?