Model reliability file
Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rates & common failures
Based on 418,700 MOT tests across 96,208 vehicles.
Last updated
Quick answer
The Volkswagen Golf (2012–2019) records a first-time MOT pass rate of 77.9%, against a class 4 average of 76.8%. Its most common failure category is lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, and it covers around 10,250 miles a year.
At a glance
First-time pass rate
A Golf is 1.1 percentage points more likely to pass first time than comparable vehicles in its class.
Ranked by test frequency
Most common failure items
- 1.Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment19.2%
- 2.Suspension16.7%
- 3.Brakes14.5%
- 4.Tyres12.1%
- 5.Visibility7.4%
Share of failed first tests in which the category appeared. One test may contain more than one failure category.
How wear changes the picture
Failure rate by vehicle age
Expected use
Average annual mileage
10,250miles / year
Use this as context, not a target: ownership pattern and engine type can materially change what “normal” looks like.
Still appearing for test
Longevity indicator
- 86%
- at 10 years
- 63%
- at 15 years
- 35%
- at 20 years
Estimated share of the original tested cohort still receiving an MOT at each age. Exported, scrapped and SORN vehicles may affect the rate.
Check a specific Volkswagen Golf
A model average tells you the pattern. Its own MOT record tells you the car.
Compare within the range
Other Volkswagen models
- Volkswagen Polo — 72.7% first-time pass rate
- All Volkswagen models
Further reading