2020 · 4 years old at test · Electric mostly

2020 Volkswagen E-Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

2,542 MOT tests in 2024. 86.6% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

100About average
Passed first time86.6%
Failed or needed repairs13.4%
Typical mileage at test28,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,542 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed4.0%
    153 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    62 marked dangerous
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.1%
  5. Washers: not working0.6%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    19 marked dangerous
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.4%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.4%
    13 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.4%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high0.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres10.1%
  2. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  3. Lights & electrics1.3%
  4. Suspension1.3%
  5. Brakes0.6%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.2%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure16.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.2%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak7.0%
  4. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.0%
  5. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm1.8%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 3)86.5%2,609 tests
2024 pass rate (age 4)86.6%2,542 tests
Change in one year+0.1 pointsaverage car: −0.8 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf is ageing about the same as an average car.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2019 E-GolfAll E-Golf years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf?

In 2024, 86.6% of 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,542 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf reliable at MOT time?

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

Is the 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf getting worse with age?

In 2023, 86.5% passed first time. In 2024, 86.6% passed (+0.1 points). An average car that age changed by −0.8 points, so the 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf is ageing about the same as average.