2018 Volkswagen Beetle · 3,032 MOT tests
2018 Volkswagen Beetle reliability
2018 Volkswagen Beetles fail 18% of first MOT tests, 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 19 Beetle years (3,032 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- 18%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Beetles: 41.3%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 26,809
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,032
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 7.2% of tests fail here (388% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle
Fail rate by area
- Suspension7.2%
- Lights and electrics4.6%
- Tyres4.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
- Brakes1.3%
- Number plates and VIN0.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 4.65%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.07%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Rear fog lamp not working 1.78%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.15%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.89%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Coil spring fractured or broken 0.89%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (18.96%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.59%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.55%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.7%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (2.34%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.24%)
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 2018 Volkswagen Beetle reliable?
2018 Volkswagen Beetles fail 18% of first MOT tests, 36% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 19 Beetle years (3,032 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle MOT?
Most often suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4.65% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (3.07% of tests), rear fog lamp not working (1.78% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Volkswagen Beetle have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 Volkswagen Beetle shows 26,809 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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