1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

1,524 MOT tests in 2024. 67.7% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time67.7%
Failed or needed repairs32.3%
Typical mileage at test130,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,524 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive4.2%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.2%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  4. Horn: not working3.0%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working2.9%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.6%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  10. Washers: not working2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics29.1%
  2. Brakes19.0%
  3. Suspension12.7%
  4. Body & chassis11.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.2%
  7. Steering5.4%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.4%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.2%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play11.7%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.2%

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: non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Golf years1991 Golf →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 67.7% of 1990 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,524 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive; service brake imbalance: across an axle; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).