2015 · 9 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2015 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

66,319 MOT tests in 2024. 82.7% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time82.7%
Failed or needed repairs17.3%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 66,319 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    2,025 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    1,297 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    1,220 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
  6. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.1%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.6%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    534 marked dangerous
  10. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    439 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.9%
  2. Brakes4.6%
  3. Suspension4.5%
  4. Lights & electrics4.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  7. Body & chassis0.5%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak17.7%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.7%

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: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. 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 2015 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 82.7% of 2015 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 66,319 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2015 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).