2009 · 15 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2009 Volkswagen Jetta MOT pass rate and common faults

1,035 MOT tests in 2024. 64.1% passed first time, compared with 58.4% for all cars the same age.

110Well above average
Passed first time64.1%
Failed or needed repairs35.9%
Typical mileage at test112,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,035 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.3%
  4. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
  5. Side repeaters: not working2.6%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.6%
    38 marked dangerous
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    42 marked dangerous
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
    30 marked dangerous
  9. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.3%
  10. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced1.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension20.1%
  2. Lights & electrics19.4%
  3. Brakes13.2%
  4. Tyres9.0%
  5. Body & chassis7.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  7. Seat belts & airbags4.0%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.8%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.5%
  4. Suspension arm: corroded and seriously weakened11.5%
  5. Sub-frame: corroded and seriously weakened9.4%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2009 Volkswagen Jetta cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 14)62.6%1,232 tests
2024 pass rate (age 15)64.1%1,035 tests
Change in one year+1.5 pointsaverage car: −0.6 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is ageing better than an average car, which is a good sign for keeping one longer.

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?

In 2024, 64.1% of 2009 Volkswagen Jetta cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,035 tests. The average for all 15-year-old cars was 58.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 110, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta getting worse with age?

In 2023, 62.6% passed first time. In 2024, 64.1% passed (+1.5 points). An average car that age changed by −0.6 points, so the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is ageing better than average.