1992 · 32 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1992 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

547 MOT tests in 2024. 70.0% passed first time, compared with 68.8% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time70.0%
Failed or needed repairs30.0%
Typical mileage at test122,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 547 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.4%
  2. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive3.8%
  3. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.5%
  4. Washers: not working3.3%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.9%
  6. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.7%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working2.4%
  9. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.2%
  10. Headlamp: not working on main beam1.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.6%
  2. Brakes21.0%
  3. Suspension12.8%
  4. Emissions & leaks12.1%
  5. Body & chassis10.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.9%
  7. Steering4.0%
  8. Tyres2.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.4%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play11.5%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.9%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 1992 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 70.0% of 1992 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 547 tests. The average for all 32-year-old cars was 68.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1992 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive; service brake imbalance: across an axle. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1992 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).