1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

908 MOT tests in 2024. 65.0% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time65.0%
Failed or needed repairs35.0%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 908 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.5%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.4%
  3. Headlamp aim: too low3.3%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.8%
  5. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.8%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.6%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.5%
  9. Position lamp: not working2.4%
  10. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics23.6%
  2. Suspension19.9%
  3. Brakes16.7%
  4. Emissions & leaks13.2%
  5. Body & chassis12.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.2%
  8. Steering4.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded19.7%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.2%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play11.1%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.0%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1997 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 65.0% of 1997 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 908 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: too low. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).