2011 Volkswagen Beetle · 2,295 MOT tests
2011 Volkswagen Beetle reliability
2011 Volkswagen Beetles fail 39% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 19 Beetle years (2,295 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- 39%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 70,562
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,295
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- 2012 cars: about average for its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 6.9% of tests fail here (106% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: tyres, 12% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.5%
- Suspension11.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.2%
- Brakes7.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.9%
- Tyres5.7%
- Body, chassis and structure4.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.27%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 4.31%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.83%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 3.57%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Position lamp not working 3.57%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.27%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.03%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.11%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.85%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.8%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.58%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (3.92%)
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 2011 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
2011 Volkswagen Beetles fail 39% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 19 Beetle years (2,295 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Beetle MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (5.27% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (4.31% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.83% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Volkswagen Beetle have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Volkswagen Beetle shows 70,562 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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