At a Glance
The Volkswagen Golf has 4 identified common problems across 8 generations, with the Mk6 (2008-2012) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 16.1M 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 our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volkswagen Golf common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volkswagen Golf generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Volkswagen Golf Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk1
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
Mk2
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
Mk3
Top issue: Brake air or vacuum system fault
Mk4
Most common MOT failure: Tyre tread below 1.6mm limit
Mk5
Top issue: Compression ignition emissions above threshold
Mk6
Top issue: Indicator fault
Mk7
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Mk8
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Volkswagen Golf MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen Golf 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.77% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.03% |
| 3 | Tyre condition | 5.61% |
| 4 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.34% |
| 5 | Driveshaft fault | 4.42% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.39% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.34% |
| 8 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.26% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.81% |
| 10 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 3.54% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.29% |
| 12 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.21% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.13% |
| 14 | Windscreen washer not working | 2.53% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.44% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.20% |
| 17 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.18% |
| 18 | Front lamp not working | 2.18% |
| 19 | Indicator fault | 2.09% |
| 20 | Rear lamp not working | 1.90% |
| 21 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.64% |
| 22 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.54% |
| 23 | Headlamp fault | 1.52% |
| 24 | Track rod end worn | 1.39% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 1.23% |
| 26 | Rear suspension fault | 1.11% |
| 27 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.07% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.06% |
| 29 | ABS fault | 0.93% |
| 30 | Airbag warning light on | 0.87% |
| 31 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.82% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.78% |
| 33 | Steering rack fault | 0.67% |
| 34 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.59% |
| 35 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.55% |
| 36 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.54% |
| 37 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.51% |
| 38 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.48% |
| 39 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.39% |
| 40 | Horn not working | 0.35% |
| 41 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.34% |
| 42 | Front suspension fault | 0.33% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.33% |
| 44 | Seat belt condition | 0.32% |
| 45 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.29% |
| 46 | Parking brake condition | 0.27% |
| 47 | Chassis condition | 0.26% |
| 48 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.25% |
| 49 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.25% |
| 50 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.24% |
| 51 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.24% |
| 52 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.23% |
| 53 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.20% |
| 54 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.17% |
| 55 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 56 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.16% |
| 57 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.16% |
| 58 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.15% |
| 59 | Brake fluid leak | 0.14% |
| 60 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 61 | Brake pedal fault | 0.12% |
| 62 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.12% |
| 63 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.12% |
| 64 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 65 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 66 | Steering arm worn | 0.09% |
| 67 | Steering free play excessive | 0.08% |
| 68 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.08% |
| 69 | Steering column fault | 0.07% |
| 70 | Electric power steering fault | 0.07% |
| 71 | Front passenger door fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.07% |
| 73 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 75 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 76 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.06% |
| 77 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.06% |
| 78 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 79 | Engine oil leak | 0.05% |
| 80 | Driver airbag fault | 0.05% |
| 81 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.05% |
| 82 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 83 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 84 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.05% |
| 85 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 86 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 87 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 88 | Steering operation fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 90 | CV joint worn | 0.04% |
| 91 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.04% |
| 92 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.04% |
| 93 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 95 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 96 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 97 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 98 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 99 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Driver door fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 103 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.02% |
| 105 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 106 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 107 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 108 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 109 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.01% |
| 114 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 115 | Access panel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 116 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 117 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 119 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 128 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 129 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 130 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 131 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 132 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 139 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 144 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 146 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 147 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 164 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 165 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 166 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 167 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 169 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 172 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 174 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 175 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 177 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 178 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 179 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 180 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 181 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 182 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 188 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 189 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 190 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 192 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 193 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 195 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 196 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 197 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 198 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 199 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 200 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 201 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 202 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 203 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
| 204 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
Showing all 204 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen Golf MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volkswagen Golf, 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 Golf problems?
Based on analysis of 16.1M Volkswagen Golf MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 4 identified common problems across 8 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Compression ignition emissions above threshold". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Volkswagen Golf generation has the most problems?
The Volkswagen Golf Mk6 (2008-2012) (2008–2012) has the highest number of identified common problems (2). Click the generation card above for the 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 Golf?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen Golf owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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