Audi A2 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 7,337 MOT tests on the Audi A2 carried out in 2023. 45% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 A2s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2000 to 2005. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2000 models did best (71% passed, +10.4 points against the average for 23-year-old cars), while 2003 models fared worst (53%, −3.6 points). Tested cars had covered 127,626 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 18.5% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 6.2% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 7,337
- First-time pass rate
- 55%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −16.0 points
- Average mileage at test
- 127,626
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular A2?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
A2 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1,032 | 56% | 56% | −0.7 points | 125,093 |
| 2004 | 1,677 | 56% | 56% | +0.3 points | 124,497 |
| 2003 | 1,416 | 53% | 57% | −3.6 points | 127,533 |
| 2002 | 1,735 | 55% | 58% | −2.7 points | 129,300 |
| 2001 | 1,358 | 56% | 59% | −2.8 points | 133,337 |
| 2000 | 93 | 71% | 61% | +10.4 points | 103,251 |
Why the Audi A2 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | A2 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 18.3% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 16.4% | 6.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.2% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 7.5% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 6.9% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 6.7% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 5.5% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.8% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working6.2%
- 2fractured or broken5.8%
- 3ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
- 4efficiency below requirements4.7%
- 5ball joint excessively worn4.3%
- 6inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.3%
- 7projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.0%
- 8constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.7%
- 9across an axle3.0%
- 10excessively binding2.8%
Common A2 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used A2, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.7% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.8% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 8.9% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 8.3% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 6.6% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 6.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.5% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.3% |
Tips to help your A2 pass
Based on where A2s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 18.5% of A2 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 16.4% of A2 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Compare with other models
Is the A2 ULEZ compliant? See the Audi A2 ULEZ check, or view all Audi models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 7,337 first MOT tests of the Audi A2 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 7,337 first MOT tests of the Audi A2.
What is the Audi A2 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 45% of 7,337 first MOT attempts on the Audi A2 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Audi A2 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (18.5% of tests), suspension (18.3% of tests), brakes (16.4% of tests).
Which A2 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2000 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +10.4 points against the average for 23-year-old cars. The weakest was 2003, at 53% (−3.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Audi A2 covered at its MOT?
The average was 127,626 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2005 cars averaged 125,093 miles and 2000 cars 103,251.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Audi A2?
"leaking excessively from engine" was recorded on 14.7% of tests, in the noise, emissions and leaks area. 8.2% of A2s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific A2's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 7,337 A2s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 53% to 71% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
Check any A2's MOT history
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