Audi A3 vs Audi S3 quattr: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Audi A3
78%
MOT pass rate · 586,036 vehicles
Audi S3 quattr
82%
MOT pass rate · 5 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Audi A3 (78%) and Audi S3 quattr (82%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Audi A3 | Audi S3 quattr |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 78% | 82% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 22% | 18% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 1.8 | 1.0 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 3% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 112,882 mi | 76,879 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 586,036 | 5 |
Most common faults
Audi A3
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Audi S3 quattr
- Front brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (3.5.1i)
- Nearside Front constant velocity joint gaiter deteriorated (2.5.C.1a)
- Nail in nearside rear tyre
- Nail in offside rear tyre
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
- Windscreen has damage to an area less than a 10mm circle within zone 'A' (8.3.1a)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Audi A3 (78%) and Audi S3 quattr (82%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Audi A3 report Full Audi S3 quattr report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.