2017 Volkswagen Beetle · 5,051 MOT tests
2017 Volkswagen Beetle reliability
2017 Volkswagen Beetles fail 22.5% of first MOT tests, 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 19 Beetle years (5,051 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- 22.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 44% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- 33,811
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,051
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 38% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does worse)
- 2018 cars: 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 7.6% of tests fail here (205% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 11% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle
Fail rate by area
- Suspension7.6%
- Lights and electrics6.9%
- Tyres5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.3%
- Brakes2.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%
- Body, chassis and structure0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rear fog lamp not working 4.38%
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 4.18%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.17%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.64%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.21%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.91%
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 (17.48%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.42%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.44%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.83%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.96%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.88%)
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 2017 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
2017 Volkswagen Beetles fail 22.5% of first MOT tests, 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 19 of 19 Beetle years (5,051 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle MOT?
Most often rear fog lamp not working (4.38% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4.18% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.17% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 Volkswagen Beetle have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 Volkswagen Beetle shows 33,811 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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