2012 Volkswagen Beetle · 8,102 MOT tests
2012 Volkswagen Beetle reliability
2012 Volkswagen Beetles fail 31.4% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 19 Beetle years (8,102 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- 31.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 1% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 68,849
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,102
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 5.5% of tests fail here (69% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 47% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.3%
- Suspension12.6%
- Body, chassis and structure5.5%
- Tyres5.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.1%
- Brakes3.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rear fog lamp not working 7.59%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 5.11%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.8%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.79%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.6%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.41%
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 (12.15%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.23%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.01%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.66%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (4.48%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4%)
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 2012 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
2012 Volkswagen Beetles fail 31.4% of first MOT tests, about average for its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 19 Beetle years (8,102 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle MOT?
Most often rear fog lamp not working (7.59% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (5.11% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.8% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Volkswagen Beetle shows 68,849 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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