At a Glance
Volkswagen has 214 identified common problems across 54 models, with the Lt being the most affected model and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 47.1M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read how we identify common car problems →
Below: per-model breakdowns of Volkswagen common problems, MOT failure rates by category, pass-rate data, and repair patterns drawn from 47.1M DVSA MOT tests across 20 years. Click any model to see generation-specific issues, mileage-banded fault patterns, and the most common MOT failures recorded by UK testers.
MOT Tests & Failures by Model
Top Volkswagen models by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that model's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Volkswagen Common Problems by Model
Select a model to see problems by generation
Showing top 9 by MOT test volume — search to find any of 54 Volkswagen models.
Golf
Most common: Suspension
Polo
Most common: Suspension
Passat
Most common: Suspension
Transporter
Most common: Brakes
Caddy
Most common: Brakes
Tiguan
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Beetle
Most common: Brakes
Touran
Most common: Suspension
Up
Most common: Tyres & Wheels
Most Common Volkswagen MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.68% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.42% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 5.81% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.56% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.33% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.61% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.32% |
| 8 | Driveshaft fault | 4.22% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.25% |
| 10 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.13% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.03% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 2.92% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.83% |
| 14 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.52% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.46% |
| 16 | Front lamp not working | 2.23% |
| 17 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.04% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.84% |
| 19 | Indicator fault | 1.76% |
| 20 | Track rod end worn | 1.70% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.56% |
| 22 | Headlamp fault | 1.56% |
| 23 | Position lamp not working | 1.52% |
| 24 | Rear lamp not working | 1.40% |
| 25 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.29% |
| 26 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.17% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.14% |
| 28 | Rear suspension fault | 0.89% |
| 29 | ABS fault | 0.79% |
| 30 | Airbag warning light on | 0.74% |
| 31 | Fog lamp not working | 0.67% |
| 32 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.65% |
| 33 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.64% |
| 34 | Steering rack fault | 0.62% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.61% |
| 36 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.51% |
| 37 | Horn not working | 0.51% |
| 38 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.50% |
| 39 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.49% |
| 40 | Parking brake condition | 0.46% |
| 41 | Seat belt condition | 0.42% |
| 42 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.39% |
| 43 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.35% |
| 44 | Chassis condition | 0.34% |
| 45 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.32% |
| 46 | Front suspension fault | 0.32% |
| 47 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.28% |
| 48 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.26% |
| 49 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 50 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.23% |
| 51 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.19% |
| 52 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.19% |
| 53 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.17% |
| 54 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.17% |
| 55 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.15% |
| 56 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.15% |
| 57 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 58 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.13% |
| 59 | Brake fluid leak | 0.13% |
| 60 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Brake lever fault | 0.12% |
| 62 | Brake caliper fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 64 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 65 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.10% |
| 66 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.09% |
| 67 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 68 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.08% |
| 69 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 70 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Front passenger door fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Steering free play excessive | 0.07% |
| 73 | Steering arm worn | 0.07% |
| 74 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.07% |
| 75 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.06% |
| 77 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 78 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 79 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 80 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.06% |
| 81 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 82 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 83 | Drag link end worn | 0.05% |
| 84 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 85 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 86 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 87 | Steering operation fault | 0.05% |
| 88 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 89 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 90 | CV joint worn | 0.04% |
| 91 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 92 | Electric power steering fault | 0.04% |
| 93 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 95 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 97 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 98 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 99 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 100 | Steering lock fault | 0.03% |
| 101 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 103 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 104 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 105 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 106 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 110 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Power steering pump fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Exhaust leak | 0.01% |
| 114 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 115 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.01% |
| 116 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.01% |
| 117 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 118 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 119 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 132 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 139 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 142 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 144 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 149 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 152 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 155 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 156 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 157 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 160 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 169 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 171 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 173 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 175 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 176 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 179 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 180 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 182 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 185 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 186 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 187 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 188 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 190 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 191 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 192 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 193 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 194 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 196 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 197 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 198 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 199 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 200 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 202 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 203 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 204 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 205 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 206 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 207 | Motorcycle fork yoke worn | <0.01% |
| 208 | Motorcycle forks worn | <0.01% |
| 209 | Passenger hand grip fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 209 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for Volkswagen, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volkswagen problems?
Based on analysis of 47.1M Volkswagen MOT tests from DVSA data, Volkswagen has 214 identified common problems across 54 models. The Volkswagen Lt has the most recorded problems. Suspension issues are the most common category.
Which Volkswagen model has the most problems?
By total identified common problems, the Volkswagen Lt has the highest count with 81 problems. This is partly because it is one of the more popular Volkswagen models on UK roads. See the models grid for a full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volkswagen?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen owners spot problems early. We review all submissions before they are published.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
Popular makes with common problems
Popular models with common problems
Mercedes-benz Vito
78 problems
Vauxhall Combo
68 problems
Kia Sedona
74 problems
Mitsubishi Shogun Sport
68 problems
Volkswagen Lt
117 problems
Ldv 400
104 problems
Morris Minor
83 problems
Austin Mini
109 problems
Ford Maverick
69 problems
Mercedes-benz 208d
86 problems
Talbot Express
85 problems
Mitsubishi L200
95 problems
