2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

68,891 MOT tests in 2024. 85.8% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

107Above average
Passed first time85.8%
Failed or needed repairs14.2%
Typical mileage at test56,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 68,891 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    1,828 marked dangerous
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    1,351 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.4%
    1,318 marked dangerous
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    541 marked dangerous
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.6%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.5%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    541 marked dangerous
  10. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.7%
  2. Lights & electrics3.3%
  3. Brakes2.8%
  4. Suspension2.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.0%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.0%
  7. Body & chassis0.3%
  8. Wheels0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak14.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick10.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.1%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.2%

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: 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 85.8% of 2017 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 68,891 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Volkswagen Golf?

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

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 107, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).