Audi Q3 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 119,886 MOT tests on the Audi Q3 carried out in 2023. 16% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Q3s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2011 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2011 models did best (71% passed, +7.8 points against the average for 12-year-old cars), while 2021 models fared worst (93%, +2.6 points). Tested cars had covered 54,858 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 5.4% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 3.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 119,886
- First-time pass rate
- 84%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +12.8 points
- Average mileage at test
- 54,858
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Q3?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Q3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 443 | 93% | 91% | +2.6 points | 24,038 |
| 2020 | 12,916 | 93% | 88% | +5.1 points | 23,625 |
| 2019 | 14,212 | 92% | 86% | +5.7 points | 30,128 |
| 2018 | 12,630 | 89% | 84% | +5.0 points | 38,601 |
| 2017 | 16,127 | 87% | 82% | +5.5 points | 47,331 |
| 2016 | 16,586 | 84% | 79% | +4.9 points | 56,995 |
| 2015 | 14,194 | 82% | 75% | +6.4 points | 65,556 |
| 2014 | 13,847 | 78% | 72% | +6.3 points | 75,132 |
| 2013 | 11,698 | 74% | 68% | +5.8 points | 85,365 |
| 2012 | 6,733 | 72% | 66% | +6.6 points | 92,462 |
| 2011 | 486 | 71% | 63% | +7.8 points | 91,376 |
Why the Audi Q3 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Q3 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 5.4% | 6.3% |
| Suspension | 5.3% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 2.7% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 2.5% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 2.0% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.3% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.4% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.3% | 0.4% |
| Steering | 0.1% | 1.8% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken3.5%
- 2tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
- 3has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
- 4less than 1.5 mm thick1.2%
- 5pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
- 6inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
- 7has ply or cords exposed0.9%
- 8does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
- 9not working0.7%
- 10provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%
Common Q3 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Q3, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 11.9% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.8% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 5.0% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 4.3% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 3.7% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 3.0% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.3% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 2.1% |
Tips to help your Q3 pass
Based on where Q3s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 2.7% of Q3 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 · 2.5% of Q3 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 Q3 ULEZ compliant? See the Audi Q3 ULEZ check, or view all Audi models.
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 119,886 first MOT tests of the Audi Q3 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 119,886 first MOT tests of the Audi Q3.
What is the Audi Q3 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 16% of 119,886 first MOT attempts on the Audi Q3 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Audi Q3 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (5.4% of tests), suspension (5.3% of tests), lights and electrics (2.7% of tests).
Which Q3 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2011 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +7.8 points against the average for 12-year-old cars. The weakest was 2021, at 93% (+2.6 points).
How many miles had a typical Audi Q3 covered at its MOT?
The average was 54,858 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 24,038 miles and 2011 cars 91,376.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Audi Q3?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 14.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.4% of Q3s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Q3's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 119,886 Q3s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 71% to 93% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.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 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
Check any Q3's MOT history
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