2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Volkswagen Eos MOT pass rate and common faults

366 MOT tests in 2024. 74.3% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

116Well above average
Passed first time74.3%
Failed or needed repairs25.7%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 366 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    18 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.2%
    13 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.9%
    8 marked dangerous
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.9%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.6%
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    7 marked dangerous
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.6%
  10. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened1.1%
    6 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres12.8%
  2. Suspension10.4%
  3. Brakes10.1%
  4. Lights & electrics4.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks2.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.6%
  7. Body & chassis1.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.7%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.6%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2012 Volkswagen Eos cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 11)72.5%375 tests
2024 pass rate (age 12)74.3%366 tests
Change in one year+1.8 pointsaverage car: −1.3 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2012 Volkswagen Eos 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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2012 Volkswagen Eos?

In 2024, 74.3% of 2012 Volkswagen Eos cars passed their MOT first time, across 366 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Volkswagen Eos?

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

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Eos reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 116, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Eos getting worse with age?

In 2023, 72.5% passed first time. In 2024, 74.3% passed (+1.8 points). An average car that age changed by −1.3 points, so the 2012 Volkswagen Eos is ageing better than average.