2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

64,152 MOT tests in 2024. 85.0% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time85.0%
Failed or needed repairs15.0%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 64,152 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    1,712 marked dangerous
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.5%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
    1,249 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    946 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.7%
    583 marked dangerous
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.6%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.6%
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.6%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    523 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.0%
  2. Lights & electrics3.5%
  3. Brakes3.3%
  4. Suspension2.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  7. Body & chassis0.4%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak11.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.9%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.3%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2015 GolfAll Golf years2017 Golf →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 85.0% of 2016 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 64,152 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).