2013 · 11 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

54,080 MOT tests in 2024. 76.3% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

114Well above average
Passed first time76.3%
Failed or needed repairs23.8%
Typical mileage at test90,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 54,080 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.6%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    1,812 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.8%
    1,272 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.6%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    1,106 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.1%
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam0.9%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.9%
  10. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension8.7%
  2. Brakes7.7%
  3. Tyres7.5%
  4. Lights & electrics7.4%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.9%
  7. Body & chassis1.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak18.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.2%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2013 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 76.3% of 2013 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 54,080 tests. The average for all 11-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2013 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2013 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 114, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).