2018 · 6 years old at test · Electric mostly

2018 Volkswagen E-Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

322 MOT tests in 2024. 87.0% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time87.0%
Failed or needed repairs13.0%
Typical mileage at test40,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 322 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.9%
    9 marked dangerous
  4. Washers: not working1.6%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low0.9%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    3 marked dangerous
  7. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.3%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.3%
  9. Seat belts - condition: webbing significantly weakened0.3%
    1 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.2%
  2. Suspension3.4%
  3. Lights & electrics2.5%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  5. Body & chassis0.6%
  6. Wheels0.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak16.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.7%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible3.1%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.5%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 5)82.3%310 tests
2024 pass rate (age 6)87.0%322 tests
Change in one year+4.7 pointsaverage car: −1.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf is ageing better than an average car, which is a good sign for keeping one longer.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All E-Golf years2019 E-Golf →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf?

In 2024, 87.0% of 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 322 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf?

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf getting worse with age?

In 2023, 82.3% passed first time. In 2024, 87.0% passed (+4.7 points). An average car that age changed by −1.7 points, so the 2018 Volkswagen E-Golf is ageing better than average.