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Audi 80 B3
Common Car Problems, MOT Failures & Pass Rate Data

7 identified problems135 MOT failure types21K MOT tests analysed1986–1991

Sources: DVSA MOT Test Data + owner-submitted problems

At a Glance

The Audi 80 B3 has 7 identified problems that occur more often than the UK average, with Fog lamp not working being the most reported. Suspension is the most common MOT failure category. Based on 21K MOT tests from DVSA data.

Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on this model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we calculate MOT pass rates and problems →

Below: the full MOT-data picture for the Audi 80 B3 — MOT pass rate vs the UK average, common problems vs UK fleet patterns, the most likely MOT failures by frequency, fault occurrence by mileage band, and pass/fail trends. All numbers drawn from DVSA records.

Audi 80 B3 MOT Pass Rate

Across 21K MOT tests from DVSA data, the Audi 80 B3 (1986–1991) has a fail rate of 53.5%.

All-time UK average fail rate: 34.9%

10K passed11K failed

Common Audi 80 B3 Problems

Owner-submitted reports plus patterns we've identified across 559 million UK MOT tests. Each MOT-derived item below — whether tagged as a Problem, Wear & Tear or Consumable — shows up noticeably more often on this generation than across the UK fleet, which is why it's here. Owner reports are pinned to the top by default; use the sort and filter pills below to view a specific tier or change the order.

Tier:
Sort by:
Tier:MOT ProblemMOT ProblemUnexpected failure — a pattern we've highlighted as occurring significantly more often on this make/model than the UK average.Wear & TearWear & TearDegrades naturally over time with use. Expected to need replacement during the life of the vehicle.ConsumableConsumableRoutine replacement item — brake pads, tyres, bulbs, wiper blades. Expected as part of normal servicing.
Severity:DangerousDangerousMOT failure with an immediate safety risk. The vehicle cannot be driven until the problem is repaired.MajorMajorMOT failure. Must be repaired for the vehicle to pass its MOT.MinorMinorMOT failure on a smaller issue. The car passes its MOT but the problem should be repaired soon.

Fog lamp not working

ConsumableMajorElectrical

1,139

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.1× the UK averageAvg mileage: 135,828 mi

Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)

MOT ProblemMajorExhaust

815

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 8.0× the UK averageAvg mileage: 134,597 mi

Indicator fault

MOT ProblemMajorElectrical

452

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 1.1× the UK averageAvg mileage: 133,144 mi

Dashboard warning lamp fault

ConsumableMajorElectrical

436

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.5× the UK averageAvg mileage: 141,444 mi

CV joint worn

MOT ProblemMajorSuspension

216

occurrences

Frequency ratio: 2.3× the UK averageAvg mileage: 133,326 mi

Tell Us About Your Problem

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Your report helps other car owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being published.

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Problems by mileage

Common problems, MOT failures and advisories on the Audi 80 B3, grouped by the mileage they typically appear at.

291 distinct problems · 63,539 total occurrences in current filter

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Advisory items are MOT tester observations. Frequency can be influenced by driving style and usage patterns.

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Other Audi 80 Generations

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Audi 80 B3 problems?

Based on DVSA MOT data for the Audi 80 B3 (1986–1991), we have identified 7 common problems. The most frequently reported is "Fog lamp not working". Suspension is the most common MOT failure category.

How reliable is the Audi 80 B3?

This generation has 21K MOT tests on record with a 53.5% fail rate. A fault is flagged as a "Common Problem" only when it occurs significantly more often on this model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence.

What commonly fails the MOT on a Audi 80 B3?

There are 135 distinct MOT failure types recorded for the B3 (1986–1991), grouped by the mileage these failures typically occur. See the Common MOT Failures section on this page.

Can I report a problem with my Audi 80 B3?

Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Audi 80 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.

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