2009 Volkswagen Beetle · 6,282 MOT tests
2009 Volkswagen Beetle reliability
2009 Volkswagen Beetles fail 45.5% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 19 Beetle years (6,282 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- 45.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 82,172
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,282
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (level)
- Weak spot: steering, 8.5% of tests fail here (207% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 15% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics21.8%
- Suspension17%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.2%
- Steering8.5%
- Brakes7.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.8%
- Tyres6.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.51%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Stop lamp not working 5.28%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 5.27%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Position lamp not working 5.06%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Track rod end dust cover damaged 4.86%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the ball joint, which speeds up wear and may lead to a costly replacement.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.08%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.9%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.55%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.48%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (6.48%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.65%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Beetle year
The full picture: Volkswagen Beetle reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Beetle, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
2009 Volkswagen Beetles fail 45.5% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 19 Beetle years (6,282 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.51% of tests), stop lamp not working (5.28% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (5.27% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2009 Volkswagen Beetle shows 82,172 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Check a 2009 Volkswagen Beetle free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.