2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 Volkswagen Jetta MOT pass rate and common faults

349 MOT tests in 2024. 73.1% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time73.1%
Failed or needed repairs26.9%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 349 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.0%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.7%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    7 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too low1.4%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    4 marked dangerous
  8. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam1.1%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.1%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    4 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension15.8%
  2. Tyres7.7%
  3. Lights & electrics7.4%
  4. Brakes6.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks2.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.0%
  7. Steering0.6%
  8. Wheels0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.3%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.0%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.6%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2017 Volkswagen Jetta cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 6)74.7%352 tests
2024 pass rate (age 7)73.1%349 tests
Change in one year−1.6 pointsaverage car: −1.9 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is ageing about the same as an average car.

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. 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.

← 2016 JettaAll Jetta years

Questions

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

In 2024, 73.1% of 2017 Volkswagen Jetta cars passed their MOT first time, across 349 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

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

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta getting worse with age?

In 2023, 74.7% passed first time. In 2024, 73.1% passed (−1.6 points). An average car that age changed by −1.9 points, so the 2017 Volkswagen Jetta is ageing about the same as average.