Audi S3 reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Audi S3 is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 169 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 40 of 442, and 16.2% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is tread depth (1.6% of tests).
Ranked 40 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 4,812 Audi S3s aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 16.2% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Audi S3 is 41% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 8.4% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
16.2%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
8.4%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,900
Typical age at test: 9 years
Audi S3 MOT failure rate by age
Most common Audi S3 MOT faults
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken1.6% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0% of tests
- Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0% of tests
What the Audi S3 fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 4.9% | ▼ 24% less often |
| Suspension | 4.2% | ▼ 51% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 4.1% | ▼ 62% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.9% | About average |
| Brakes | 2.8% | ▼ 55% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.6% | ▼ 51% less often |
| Visibility | 1.4% | ▼ 70% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.4% | ▼ 54% less often |
| Steering | 0.3% | ▼ 85% less often |
| Wheels | 0.2% | ▼ 37% less often |
What MPG does the Audi S3 do?
Official economy for the Audi S3 ranges from 31 to 35.3mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2025). A typical petrol version manages 33.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Audi S3?
Any Audi S3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi S3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carAudi S3 specs and running costs
Official figures for 3 versions sold in the UK between 2007 and 2025.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
31.0–35.3 mpg
CO2
183–217 g/km
Power
333 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Saloon TFSI quattro 333PS333 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 183g | £200 | 37% |
| S3 Sportback TFSI quattro 333PS333 PS · A7 · listed 2025 | Petrol | 33.6 mpg | 191g | £200 | 37% |
| S3 (from NOV 06 Wk 45 >) 2.0 TFSI 265ps quattroQM6 · listed 2007 | Petrol | 31 mpg | 217g | £445 | – |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate.
What a Audi S3 costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 33.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Audi S3Buying a used Audi S3?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
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Frequently asked questions
›Is the Audi S3 reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Audi S3 is 41% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 169 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Audi S3?
The most common MOT fault is “Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm”, found in 1.6% of tests.
›What MPG does the Audi S3 do?
Official economy for the Audi S3 ranges from 31 to 35.3mpg across the 3 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2007–2025). A typical petrol version manages 33.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Audi S3?
Any Audi S3 first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Audi S3 registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 a year.
›How many Audi S3s fail their MOT?
16.2% of Audi S3s aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 8.4% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Audi S3 combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.