1993 · 31 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1993 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

252 MOT tests in 2024. 68.7% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time68.7%
Failed or needed repairs31.4%
Typical mileage at test105,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 252 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.0%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
  3. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.8%
  4. Headlamp: not working on main beam2.4%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.0%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low2.0%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.0%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.0%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics24.2%
  2. Brakes18.7%
  3. Emissions & leaks13.1%
  4. Suspension12.3%
  5. Body & chassis9.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags2.4%
  8. Steering2.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded13.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.5%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play7.9%
  5. Flexible brake hoses: ferrule excessively corroded4.8%

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: service brake imbalance: across an axle. 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 1993 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 68.7% of 1993 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 252 tests. The average for all 31-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1993 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1993 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).