MOT Results

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Volkswagen Golf MOT Results

65.7% pass rate
from 6,786 tests in 2021
(29% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
Number of tests by age
More MoT Results
Failure rates by item

Here you can drill down into the failure rates for each item on the test. We've also compared the rates to the average results for pre-1990 cars and highlighted areas where the Volkswagen Golf is unusually good or bad.

  • 17% fail on Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (33% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 4.6% fail on Direction indicators (61% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 4.6% fail on Flashing type (62% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 2.4% fail on Individual direction indicators (44% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 1.9% fail on Side repeaters (160% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.69% fail on All direction indicators
        • 0.029% fail on Switch
      • 0.015% fail on Semaphore
        • 0.015% fail on Switch
    • 3.9% fail on Headlamp aim
      • 3.6% fail on Headlamp aim
      • 0.32% fail on Headlamp aim not tested
    • 3.4% fail on Front and rear fog lamps (46% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 3.4% fail on Rear fog lamp (46% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 3.4% fail on Rear fog lamp (46% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 3.4% fail on Electrical equipment (85% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 2.5% fail on Horn (110% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.91% fail on Battery(ies) (56% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.15% fail on Electrical wiring
    • 3.2% fail on Headlamps
      • 3.2% fail on Headlamp
      • 0.10% fail on Dipswitch
    • 2.8% fail on Stop lamp
    • 2.0% fail on Registration plate lamp(s) (58% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.72% fail on Mandatory tell-tales (99% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.43% fail on Main beam tell-tale (2 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.34% fail on Rear fog lamp tell-tale
    • 0.37% fail on Hazard warning
      • 0.37% fail on Switch
    • 0.16% fail on Position lamps
      • 0.15% fail on Position lamp
      • 0.015% fail on Switch
    • 0.16% fail on Rear reflectors
  • 12% fail on Brakes (33% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 8.8% fail on Brake performance (30% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 4.7% fail on Service Brake Efficiency (sp) (58% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 4.7% fail on Rbt (sp) (63% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
          • 3.6% fail on Service brake imbalance (78% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
          • 1.7% fail on Service brake performance (33% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.015% fail on Decelerometer (sp)
      • 3.7% fail on Parking brake efficiency (sp) (37% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 3.7% fail on Rbt (sp) (46% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.059% fail on Decelerometer (sp)
      • 3.2% fail on Service brake performance
        • 3.1% fail on Rbt
          • 2.6% fail on Service brake performance
          • 0.74% fail on Service brake imbalance
          • 0.015% fail on Service brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.059% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.044% fail on Service brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
          • 0.015% fail on Service brake performance
        • 0.029% fail on Decelerometer
          • 0.015% fail on Service brake performance
          • 0.015% fail on Service brake performance (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
      • 1.3% fail on Parking brake performance (34% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 1.3% fail on Rbt
          • 1.2% fail on Parking brake performance (59% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
          • 0.088% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance) (64% better than other pre-1990 cars)
          • 0.015% fail on Parking brake efficiency (Trikes, quads and pre-68 vehicles)
        • 0.074% fail on Plate brake tester
          • 0.044% fail on Parking (secondary brake performance)
          • 0.029% fail on Parking brake performance
      • 0.43% fail on Brake performance not tested
    • 2.1% fail on Rigid brake pipes (89% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.88% fail on Flexible brake hoses (130% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.81% fail on Mechanical brake components
      • 0.37% fail on Brake cables, rods, levers and linkages (160% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.34% fail on Cable (3 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.015% fail on Linkage
        • 0.015% fail on Relay lever
      • 0.27% fail on Brake linings and pads
        • 0.24% fail on Brake pads
        • 0.029% fail on Brake linings
      • 0.22% fail on Brake discs and drums
        • 0.22% fail on Brake discs
    • 0.62% fail on Service brake pedal or hand lever
      • 0.43% fail on Pedal
      • 0.19% fail on Hand lever
    • 0.43% fail on Hydraulic systems (64% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.18% fail on Brake fluid
      • 0.18% fail on Valves (2 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.044% fail on Reservoirs
      • 0.029% fail on Servos
      • 0.029% fail on Master cylinder
    • 0.40% fail on Parking brake control
      • 0.40% fail on Lever
    • 0.38% fail on Load sensing valves (3 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.34% fail on Brake actuators (including spring brakes or hydraulic cylinders)
      • 0.24% fail on Hydraulic brake cylinder
      • 0.10% fail on Hydraulic brake callipers
    • 0.10% fail on Air and vacuum systems
      • 0.059% fail on Leaks
      • 0.044% fail on Servos
    • 0.088% fail on Other components and prescribed areas
      • 0.044% fail on Other components
      • 0.029% fail on Prescribed areas (79% better than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.015% fail on Master cylinder/servo mounting
        • 0.015% fail on Other braking system component
      • 0.015% fail on Additional braking device
  • 10% fail on Body, chassis, structure (60% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 3.1% fail on Transmission (130% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 3.0% fail on Drive shafts (180% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 2.9% fail on Joints (190% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.059% fail on Drive shaft
      • 0.12% fail on Prop shafts (61% better than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.12% fail on Joints
    • 3.0% fail on Exhaust system (72% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 1.7% fail on Seats (160% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 1.4% fail on Driver's seat (190% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.47% fail on Passenger's seat (78% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 1.3% fail on Doors (160% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.60% fail on Other passenger's door (3 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.60% fail on Door condition (4 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.49% fail on Front passenger's door (97% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.46% fail on Door condition (96% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.029% fail on Catch
      • 0.24% fail on Driver's door
        • 0.22% fail on Door condition
        • 0.015% fail on Catch
    • 1.1% fail on Fuel system
      • 0.55% fail on Pipe (77% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.22% fail on Hose
      • 0.16% fail on Fuel cap/sealing device
      • 0.15% fail on Tank
      • 0.015% fail on System
    • 0.96% fail on Integral vehicle structure
      • 0.91% fail on Integral vehicle structure condition
      • 0.059% fail on Sub-frame
        • 0.044% fail on Sub-frame condition
        • 0.015% fail on Strengthening plate
    • 0.65% fail on Chassis
      • 0.65% fail on Chassis condition
    • 0.19% fail on Engine mounting (170% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.15% fail on Engine mounting condition (160% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.044% fail on Bracket
    • 0.18% fail on Bumpers (120% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.15% fail on Body
      • 0.074% fail on Panel
      • 0.074% fail on Other body component
    • 0.088% fail on Floor
    • 0.059% fail on Boot lid
      • 0.059% fail on Boot lid condition
    • 0.044% fail on Cabs
      • 0.044% fail on Prescribed areas
    • 0.015% fail on Load security
      • 0.015% fail on Tailgate
    • 0.015% fail on Passenger compartment
  • 9.5% fail on Suspension (28% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 3.2% fail on Component mounting prescribed areas
    • 2.9% fail on Wheel bearings (110% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 1.8% fail on Suspension arms
      • 0.80% fail on Ball joint
      • 0.46% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.38% fail on Ball joint dust cover
      • 0.19% fail on Suspension arm
      • 0.074% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
    • 1.1% fail on Springs (55% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.85% fail on Coil springs (130% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.81% fail on Coil spring (150% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.059% fail on Mounting
      • 0.19% fail on Spring mounting prescribed areas
      • 0.029% fail on Leaf springs (80% better than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.015% fail on Anchor bracket
        • 0.015% fail on Fixings and fixing bolts
    • 0.75% fail on Sub-frames (78% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.49% fail on Sub-frame mounting prescribed areas (96% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.16% fail on Sub-frame
      • 0.044% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.029% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.029% fail on Ball joint (8 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.68% fail on Macpherson strut (5 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.25% fail on Pins and bushes (6 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.24% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting (5 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.19% fail on Macpherson strut (5 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.59% fail on Anti-roll bars
      • 0.21% fail on Linkage pins and bushes
      • 0.19% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.10% fail on Pins and bushes
      • 0.059% fail on Linkage attachment bracket and mounting (2 times worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.029% fail on Anti-roll bar
    • 0.55% fail on Shock absorbers
    • 0.15% fail on Axles (58% better than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.074% fail on Axle
      • 0.074% fail on Swivel pins and bushes
    • 0.13% fail on Other suspension component (64% better than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.074% fail on Other suspension component
      • 0.029% fail on Attachment bracket and mounting
      • 0.015% fail on Ball joint
      • 0.015% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.029% fail on Suspension rods
      • 0.015% fail on Suspension rod
      • 0.015% fail on Ball joint dust cover
    • 0.015% fail on Air/gas/fluid suspension
      • 0.015% fail on Pipes
  • 7.4% fail on Visibility (17% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 4.6% fail on Washers
    • 3.3% fail on Wipers (37% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.21% fail on View to rear
      • 0.19% fail on Mirrors
      • 0.015% fail on Indirect vision devices
    • 0.15% fail on Bonnet
    • 0.044% fail on Condition of glass
      • 0.044% fail on Windscreen
    • 0.015% fail on Driver's view
  • 6.9% fail on Noise, emissions and leaks (57% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 6.4% fail on Exhaust emissions (62% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 6.3% fail on Spark ignition (70% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 5.1% fail on Non catalyst emissions (69% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.60% fail on Catalyst emissions (110% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
        • 0.56% fail on Emissions not tested
        • 0.015% fail on Emission control equipment
          • 0.015% fail on Other emission control equipment
      • 0.19% fail on Compression ignition
        • 0.088% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Non turbo
        • 0.044% fail on Emissions not tested
        • 0.029% fail on Pre 01/07/2008 Turbo
        • 0.015% fail on On or after 01/07/2008
        • 0.015% fail on On or after 01/01/2014
    • 0.63% fail on Fluid leaks
      • 0.53% fail on Engine oil leaks
      • 0.074% fail on Transmission oil leaks
      • 0.059% fail on Other leaks
      • 0.015% fail on Hydraulic fluid leaks
  • 4.3% fail on Steering (20% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 2.7% fail on Steering gear (140% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 2.7% fail on Steering rack (180% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.088% fail on Operation
    • 1.2% fail on Steering linkage components (37% better than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.91% fail on Track rod end
      • 0.18% fail on Locking devices
      • 0.059% fail on Ball joint (81% better than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.044% fail on Other components
        • 0.029% fail on Steering component
        • 0.015% fail on Steering linkage
      • 0.015% fail on Drag link end
    • 0.22% fail on Prescribed areas
    • 0.18% fail on Power steering
      • 0.12% fail on Operation
      • 0.029% fail on Pipes and hoses
      • 0.029% fail on Other components (79% better than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.015% fail on Pump
    • 0.13% fail on Steering column
    • 0.12% fail on Steering wheel
    • 0.12% fail on Steering play
      • 0.12% fail on Steering rack
    • 0.029% fail on Steering coupling
      • 0.029% fail on Universal joint
  • 2.2% fail on Tyres (70% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 1.2% fail on Condition (59% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.94% fail on Tread depth (88% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.15% fail on Size/type
  • 2.1% fail on Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (31% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 2.1% fail on Seat belts (32% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 1.1% fail on Prescribed areas
      • 0.72% fail on Condition (50% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.22% fail on Requirements (140% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
      • 0.12% fail on Attachment
  • 0.87% fail on Identification of the vehicle (41% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.85% fail on Registration plates (44% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.015% fail on Vehicle Identification Number
  • 0.35% fail on Road Wheels
    • 0.32% fail on Attachment (90% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.029% fail on Condition
  • 0.25% fail on Speedometer and speed limiter (120% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
    • 0.25% fail on Speedometer (120% worse than other pre-1990 cars)
  • 0.059% fail on Seat belt installation check
    • 0.044% fail on Anchorages
    • 0.015% fail on Belt(s)/padding
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