2019 Audi A1 — MOT failures & pass rate
90,716 MOT tests on the 2019 Audi A1 are in this dataset, and 90.6% of them passed. Superminis of a similar age fail at 10.0%, so the 2019 A1 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, brakes and visibility.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (4.9%) and brakes (2.9%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are brake pads, tread depth and track rod end — brake pads alone was recorded 2,274 times.
A 120-150k example is materially riskier than a 0-30k one: 15.6% versus 6.8%.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 25.3% of tests without failing them.
The trend is worsening — 3.7% of tests failed in 2021 against 12.3% in 2025, the usual pattern as a fleet ages.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 4.9% | 4,402 |
| 2 | Brakes | 2.9% | 2,616 |
| 3 | Visibility | 1.1% | 1,043 |
| 4 | Steering | 1.1% | 1,034 |
| 5 | Lighting & signalling | 1.1% | 1,010 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.7% | 604 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brake pads | 2,274 |
| 2 | Tread depth | 2,145 |
| 3 | Track rod end | 1,174 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 1,052 |
| 5 | Brake discs | 782 |
| 6 | Washers | 704 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 25.3% | 22,927 |
| 2 | Brakes | 17.5% | 15,889 |
| 3 | Other defects | 6.0% | 5,439 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.7% | 2,481 |
| 5 | Steering | 1.8% | 1,625 |
| 6 | Suspension | 1.5% | 1,356 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 48,037 | 6.8% |
| 30-60k | 36,960 | 12.0% |
| 60-90k | 5,216 | 15.2% |
| 90-120k | 444 | 17.1% |
| 120-150k | 45 | 15.6% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 791 | 3.7% |
| 2022 | 22,550 | 7.5% |
| 2023 | 22,314 | 8.2% |
| 2024 | 22,049 | 9.8% |
| 2025 | 23,012 | 12.3% |
What to check before buying a 2019 A1
On a 2019 A1, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 4.9% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (4.9% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Brakes (2.9% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Visibility (1.1% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2019 Audi A1s pass their MOT?
90.6% of the 90,716 2019 Audi A1 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 9.4% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2019 Audi A1?
Tyres, recorded in 4.9% of tests, followed by brakes (2.9%).
Does the 2019 A1 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 6.8% in the 0-30k band to 15.6% in the 120-150k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 90,716 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.