2010 · 14 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2010 Volkswagen Beetle MOT pass rate and common faults

2,056 MOT tests in 2024. 54.3% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time54.3%
Failed or needed repairs45.7%
Typical mileage at test78,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,056 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.9%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.0%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.9%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.6%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.6%
  7. Stop lamp: not working3.4%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.1%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  10. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics33.0%
  2. Suspension16.3%
  3. Brakes14.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks10.6%
  6. Body & chassis7.6%
  7. Tyres6.8%
  8. Steering6.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.8%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.4%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn11.0%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 Volkswagen Beetle?

In 2024, 54.3% of 2010 Volkswagen Beetle cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,056 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Beetle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).