At a Glance
The Audi Q3 has 17 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the 8U (2011-2018) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 723K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Audi Q3 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Audi Q3 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Audi Q3 Generations
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Most Common Audi Q3 MOT Failures
Every reason Audi Q3 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 20.65% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 17.01% |
| 3 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.98% |
| 4 | Brake pads or linings worn | 6.68% |
| 5 | Windscreen washer not working | 5.72% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.11% |
| 7 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.05% |
| 8 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.65% |
| 9 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.61% |
| 10 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.36% |
| 11 | Headlamp fault | 2.31% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.13% |
| 13 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.89% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 1.85% |
| 15 | Stop lamp not working | 1.80% |
| 16 | Position lamp not working | 1.48% |
| 17 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.25% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.17% |
| 19 | Airbag warning light on | 1.13% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.02% |
| 21 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.80% |
| 22 | Horn not working | 0.72% |
| 23 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.72% |
| 24 | Seat belt condition | 0.65% |
| 25 | ABS fault | 0.60% |
| 26 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.55% |
| 27 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.37% |
| 28 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.36% |
| 29 | Track rod end worn | 0.27% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.24% |
| 31 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.23% |
| 32 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.22% |
| 33 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 34 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.19% |
| 35 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.18% |
| 36 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 37 | Fog lamp not working | 0.18% |
| 38 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.16% |
| 39 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.16% |
| 40 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.15% |
| 41 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.14% |
| 42 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.12% |
| 43 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.12% |
| 44 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 45 | Exhaust system fault | 0.11% |
| 46 | Propshaft fault | 0.10% |
| 47 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 48 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 49 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 50 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 51 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.06% |
| 52 | Rear lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 53 | Brake caliper fault | 0.05% |
| 54 | Driver door fault | 0.05% |
| 55 | Steering rack fault | 0.05% |
| 56 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.05% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.04% |
| 58 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 59 | Electric power steering fault | 0.04% |
| 60 | Front passenger door fault | 0.04% |
| 61 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 62 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.03% |
| 63 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.03% |
| 64 | Front lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 65 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 66 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 67 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 68 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 69 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.02% |
| 70 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 71 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 72 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.01% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.01% |
| 74 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.01% |
| 75 | Steering operation fault | 0.01% |
| 76 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.01% |
| 77 | Brake pedal fault | 0.01% |
| 78 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 79 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 80 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 81 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 82 | Front suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 83 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 84 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 85 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 86 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 87 | Rear suspension fault | <0.01% |
| 88 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 89 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 90 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 91 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 92 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 93 | Brake pedal movement restricted | <0.01% |
| 94 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 95 | Front suspension joint worn | <0.01% |
| 96 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 97 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 98 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 99 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 100 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 104 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Chassis condition | <0.01% |
| 106 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 107 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering lock fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 110 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 111 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 114 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 115 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 119 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 133 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 137 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
Showing all 137 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Audi Q3 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Audi Q3, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Audi Q3 problems?
Based on analysis of 723K Audi Q3 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 17 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Coil spring broken or corroded". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Audi Q3 generation has the most problems?
The Audi Q3 8U (2011-2018) (2011–2018) has the highest number of identified common problems (17). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Audi Q3?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Audi Q3 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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