Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Audi A3 (2015–2017) Reliability

The Audi A3 (2015–2017) scores 74/100 on our composite reliability index — good territory — drawn from ADAC, DVSA, NHTSA, TÜV data. The most-flagged failure mode is magnetic ride suspension failure (s3), typically surfacing between 80,000 and 160,000 km. Workshop repair runs €800–€1,800. In total we track 2 documented issues for this model — ranked by severity below. Estimated used prices span €9,100–€17,500.

Composite Score
74
/ 100
Good
Sources: ADAC · DVSA · NHTSA · TÜV · latest 2026
Market Snapshot
Listed model years2015–2017
Est. used price€9,100–€17,500
Documented issues2
Listings in catalogue47
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Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

NHTSA (US Complaints)
Model years 2013–2019 · 2026 report · n=360
360 complaints across 5 sampled year(s); resolved model="A3"
View source ↗
57
/ 100
ADAC (European Auto Club)
All model years · 2025 report
6.6/1000 breakdowns
View source ↗
69
/ 100
TÜV (Germany)
All model years · 2025 report
HU defect rate (TÜV Report 2025): 10-11yr 15.9%
View source ↗
79
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2004–2021 · 2024 report · n=618255
618,255 UK MOT tests · overall 19.3% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
82
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2020 · 2023 report · n=387603
387,603 UK MOT tests · overall 22.1% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
76
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 618,255 MOT tests in the UK during the 2024 reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 3–5 yrs
80
8.3% fail vs 10.9% fleet
46,452 tests
Age 6–9 yrs
87
11.1% fail vs 19.2% fleet
241,081 tests
Age 10–14 yrs
81
23.1% fail vs 32.1% fleet
215,092 tests
Age 15–20 yrs
75
34.0% fail vs 38.8% fleet
115,630 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Joints
49,811
23.6%
#2
Condition
47,383
22.5%
#3
Windscreen
40,479
19.2%
#4
Registration plate lamp(s)
40,115
19.0%
#5
Linkage ball joint dust cover
32,991
15.7%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2024 period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

Known Issues

Specific failure modes documented across European workshops, owner forums, and TSBs. Costs in EUR (and USD reference) reflect typical retail European labor + parts ranges — specialist shops at the low end, dealer pricing at the high end.

Magnetic ride suspension failure (S3)
Typical at 80,000–160,000 km
8P/8V S3 magnetic ride dampers fail/leak; replacement is per-corner and not cheap.
€800–€1,800medium
Sunroof drain blockage → water ingress
Typical at 100,000–200,000 km
A3 sunroof drain tubes block; water in carpets, electrical module corrosion underneath seats.
€300–€1,000medium

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