Sports car and convertible · 2006–2016 cars
Volkswagen Eos reliability
The Volkswagen Eos fails 33.7% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 47,085 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Volkswagen Eos before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 33.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 47,085
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 6,700
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Volkswagen Eos ages
Each point is the share of Volkswagen Eoss of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Volkswagen Eos | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | 16.1% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 17.8% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 20.3% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 24.7% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 27.2% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 31.3% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 33.2% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 35% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 37.2% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 38.8% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 37.8% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 36% | 43.5% |
By year
The best and worst Volkswagen Eos years
2012 cars come out best and 2007 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 766 | 15.9% | 33% fewer fails | 60,429 |
| 2014 Eos | 1,200 | 18.3% | 24% fewer fails | 49,911 |
| 2013 Eos | 1,589 | 21.8% | 22% fewer fails | 61,211 |
| 2012 Eos | 1,324 | 24.4% | 24% fewer fails | 69,941 |
| 2011 Eos | 4,822 | 28.6% | 18% fewer fails | 76,492 |
| 2010 Eos | 7,169 | 32.8% | 13% fewer fails | 86,224 |
| 2009 Eos | 4,805 | 33.9% | 14% fewer fails | 88,200 |
| 2008 Eos | 9,686 | 34.8% | 17% fewer fails | 96,777 |
| 2007 Eos | 11,343 | 39.4% | 7% fewer fails | 98,109 |
| 2006 Eos | 4,350 | 37.7% | 12% fewer fails | 99,264 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Volkswagen Eos
Its weak spot is tyres: 27% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension14.1%6% below avg
- Tyres9.1%27% above avg
- Brakes8.9%11% below avg
- Lights and electrics8.4%53% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure5.5%10% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%18% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.4%35% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.6%3% below avg
- Steering0.8%74% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.35% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.04% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.01% of tests
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
- 4
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.7% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 5
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.51% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 6
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.16% of tests
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
- 7
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 2.1% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 8
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.59% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Volkswagen Eos's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit17.24%
- Brake disc pitted or scored12.88%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear9.34%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.09%
- Shock absorber light oil misting5.94%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.94%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Volkswagen Eos
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
- 4
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Volkswagen Eos covers about 6,700 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel55.6%
- Petrol44.4%
Most common colours
Black, Blue, Silver, Grey, White
Average engine size: 1.9 litres.
Compare
How the Volkswagen Eos compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Porsche Cayman | 9.8% | 60% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Jaguar F-Type | 7.8% | 52% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Mustang | 14.7% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW Z3 | 31.3% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen Eos | 33.7% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MG TF | 30.8% | 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot RCZ | 33% | 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every sports car and convertible ranked in the sports car and convertible reliability index, or all Volkswagen models.
Questions
Volkswagen Eos questions, answered
Is the Volkswagen Eos reliable?
On MOT results, the Volkswagen Eos is about average: it fails 33.7% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 52 of 62 sports car and convertible models in our index.
What fails most on a Volkswagen Eos MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen Eos are coil spring fractured or broken (5.35% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.04% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (3.01% of tests). By area, suspension fails 14.1% of its tests.
Which Volkswagen Eos year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2012 cars do best (24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2007 cars do worst (7% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Volkswagen Eos do a year?
A typical Volkswagen Eos covers about 6,700 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Volkswagen Eos before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
Found a Volkswagen Eos? Check it free.
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.