2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35 — MOT failures & pass rate

Across 1,248 MOT tests analysed for the 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35, the most common recorded failure areas were tyres, visibility and lighting & signalling. Its pass rate of 89.8% was below the average for cars of a similar age (91.2%). Higher-mileage examples failed more often — 20.5% in the 60-90k group versus 8.6% in the 0-30k group.

Pass rate

1,248

MOT tests analysed

10.2%

Fail rate

worse than

vs cars of similar age

3.5

Avg age at test (yrs)

How it compares

Fail rate for this model-year against the segment and national averages for cars of a similar age.

Top failure categories

Most common MOT failure areas — 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35
#	Category	% of tests affected	Tests
1	Tyres	7.5%	94
2	Visibility	1.2%	15
3	Lighting & signalling	1.1%	14
4	Brakes	1.0%	13
5	Seat belts & restraints	0.6%	8
6	Suspension	0.5%	6

Percentage of tests with at least one failure recorded in each category.

Most common specific failures

The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.

Most frequently recorded failure items — 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35
#	Failure item	Times recorded
1	Tread depth	32
2	Headlamp aim	15
3	Washers	13
4	Registration plates	7
5	Brake pads	6
6	Shock absorbers	6

Top advisory categories

Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.

Most common MOT advisories — 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35
#	Category	% of tests with advisory	Tests
1	Tyres	19.5%	243
2	Brakes	8.8%	110
3	Other defects	5.9%	73
4	Visibility	3.6%	45
5	Suspension	1.8%	22
6	Road wheels	0.6%	8

Failure rate by mileage

Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.

MOT fail rate by recorded mileage band.

Fail rate by recorded mileage — 2021 A3 S Line 1 35
Mileage band	Tests	Fail rate
0-30k	677	8.6%
30-60k	525	11.2%
60-90k	39	20.5%

Failure rate by age

How this model-year's MOT fail rate climbs as the cars get older.

Trend over time

Fail rate by dataset year — 2021 A3 S Line 1 35
Dataset year	Tests	Fail rate
2024	609	8.7%
2025	615	11.9%

What to check before buying a 2021 A3 S Line 1 35

Before buying a 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35, focus on the areas it most often fails on. Tyres accounted for 7.5% of tests for this year.

Tyres (7.5% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
Visibility (1.2% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
Lighting & signalling (1.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.

Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.

Frequently asked questions

How many 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35s pass their MOT?

89.8% of the 1,248 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 10.2% fail rate.

What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Audi A3 S Line 1 35?

Tyres, recorded in 7.5% of tests, followed by visibility (1.2%).

Does the 2021 A3 S Line 1 35 get worse with mileage?

Its MOT fail rate rises from 8.6% in the 0-30k band to 20.5% in the 60-90k band.

Methodology & source. Based on 1,248 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.