Does the Audi S3 fail the MOT on suspension more than it should?
The Audi S3 records 10.83 suspension failure items per 100 initial MOT tests (2019–2024), against 17.92 expected for a car of the same age mix: less than expected for its class and age (−7.09, 95% interval −7.62 to −6.56). It ranks 542 of 701 models on suspension (1 = most failures above expected).
Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · page updated 30 Sep 2026 · all models on suspension · check a Audi S3 by registration
What exactly fails on suspension?
The most frequent DVSA defect wording in this group on the Audi S3 is “A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened”, recorded 903 times in 2019–2024.
| DVSA defect wording | Items | Per 100 tests |
|---|---|---|
| A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 903 | 3.67 |
| A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 556 | 2.26 |
| A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 490 | 1.99 |
| A suspension joint dust cover severely deteriorated | 324 | 1.32 |
| A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 86 | 0.35 |
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 24,624 (initial tests) · Method: failure items (major and minor) grouped by DVSA's defect tree; wordings with 30+ items · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
If a Audi S3 gets a suspension advisory, how often does it fail next time?
15.1% of Audi S3 MOTs with a suspension advisory were followed by a fail in the same group at the next MOT, typically 12.2 months and 4,179 miles later (1,952 advisories followed).
Source: DVSA MOT bulk data (OGL v3.0) · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 1,952 (advisories followed) · Method: the same vehicles followed to their next ordinary MOT · Updated: 30 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV
Other pages for this model
Audi S3 2009 · Audi S3 2010 · Audi S3 2011 · Audi S3 2012 · Audi S3 2013 · Audi S3 2014 · Audi S3 2015 · Audi S3 2016 · Audi S3 2020 · Audi S3 in the Netherlands · Audi S3 by postcode area · Audi S3 body, chassis and structure failures · Audi S3 brakes failures · Audi S3 vehicle identification failures · Audi S3 lamps, reflectors and electrics failures · Audi S3 noise, emissions and leaks failures · Audi S3 road wheels failures · Audi S3 seat belts and airbags failures · Audi S3 steering failures · Audi S3 tyres failures · Audi S3 visibility failures