The NCT record
Audi A1
Supermini. Measured from 23,531 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: Well above average
One of the most reliable cars for its age. A strong choice.
NCT pass rate: 66% (Above average for its age)
66 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 0.52× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 14 years old — a 2012 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 78% | 82% |
| 2021 | 5 | 74% | 76% |
| 2020 | 6 | 78% | 75% |
| 2019 | 7 | 73% | 67% |
| 2018 | 8 | 72% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 69% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 65% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 61% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 59% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 56% | 42% |
| 2012 | 14 | 52% | 38% |
What tends to fail on it
Wheels & tyres
tread depth across the width, uneven wear, tyre age, alloy damage
€65–150 for tyres, per corner — up to €600 at worst.
Headlight aim
headlight aim and clouded or moisture-filled lenses
€20–60 for adjustment, or a new unit — up to €400 at worst.
Engine, noise & exhaust
smoke on start-up, exhaust leaks and corrosion, engine noise
€100–400 for an exhaust section, or worse — up to €1,000 at worst.
Safety equipment
seatbelts, airbag warning light, horn, mirrors, wipers
€50–250 for seatbelts, horn, mirrors, wipers — up to €400 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€65–120 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other supermini options
- AToyota Yaris(Well above average)
- CFord Fiesta(About average)
- CVolkswagen Polo(About average)
- BNissan Micra(Above average)
- COpel Corsa(About average)
- DRenault Clio(Below average)
Other Audi models
- CAudi A4(About average)
- BAudi A3(Above average)
- BAudi A6(Above average)
- BAudi A5(Above average)
- DAudi A4 1.9 TDI 90Bhp 5Dr(Below average)
- BAudi Q5(Above average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.