2016 · 8 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2016 Volkswagen Beetle MOT pass rate and common faults

2,179 MOT tests in 2024. 71.2% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time71.2%
Failed or needed repairs28.8%
Typical mileage at test48,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,179 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working7.2%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.2%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.5%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    55 marked dangerous
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    47 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.1%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1%
    31 marked dangerous
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    28 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension13.1%
  2. Lights & electrics10.9%
  3. Tyres6.8%
  4. Brakes6.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%
  6. Emissions & leaks2.8%
  7. Body & chassis0.7%
  8. Steering0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.3%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.9%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.9%

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: rear fog lamp: not working. 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 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?

In 2024, 71.2% of 2016 Volkswagen Beetle cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,179 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).