2009 · 15 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2009 Volkswagen Fox MOT pass rate and common faults

4,657 MOT tests in 2024. 51.2% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time51.2%
Failed or needed repairs48.8%
Typical mileage at test74,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,657 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases5.6%
  2. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.2%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.2%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.1%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.8%
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.7%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.4%
  8. Stop lamp: not working3.7%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.5%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics34.6%
  2. Suspension28.9%
  3. Emissions & leaks14.7%
  4. Brakes14.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)14.4%
  6. Body & chassis13.0%
  7. Tyres6.4%
  8. Steering4.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.7%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.8%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.5%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak7.1%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2009 Volkswagen Fox cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 14)52.9%5,031 tests
2024 pass rate (age 15)51.2%4,657 tests
Change in one year−1.7 pointsaverage car: −0.6 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2009 Volkswagen Fox is ageing worse than an average car, so problems may be starting to build up at this age.

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: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. 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 2009 Volkswagen Fox?

In 2024, 51.2% of 2009 Volkswagen Fox cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,657 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Volkswagen Fox?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Fox reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Fox getting worse with age?

In 2023, 52.9% passed first time. In 2024, 51.2% passed (−1.7 points). An average car that age changed by −0.6 points, so the 2009 Volkswagen Fox is ageing worse than average.