2016 Volkswagen Beetle · 7,664 MOT tests
2016 Volkswagen Beetle reliability
2016 Volkswagen Beetles fail 25.9% of first MOT tests, 38% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 19 Beetle years (7,664 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- 25.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 38% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 42,888
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,664
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 10.3% of tests fail here (158% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 15% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle
Fail rate by area
- Suspension10.3%
- Lights and electrics8.8%
- Tyres5.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%
- Brakes3.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.1%
- Body, chassis and structure0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rear fog lamp not working 5.99%
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 5.39%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.16%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.64%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.33%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.15%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (14.18%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.49%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.25%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.11%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (4.4%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.81%)
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 2016 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
2016 Volkswagen Beetles fail 25.9% of first MOT tests, 38% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 19 Beetle years (7,664 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle MOT?
Most often rear fog lamp not working (5.99% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (5.39% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.16% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Volkswagen Beetle have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Volkswagen Beetle shows 42,888 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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