2011 Volkswagen Golf · 179,224 MOT tests
2011 Volkswagen Golf reliability
2011 Volkswagen Golfs fail 32.9% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 25 Golf years (179,224 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- 32.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 101,878
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 179,224
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- 2012 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 15.1% of tests fail here (5% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 50% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Golf
Fail rate by area
- Suspension15.1%
- Lights and electrics10.8%
- Brakes8.5%
- Tyres6.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.7%
- Body, chassis and structure3.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.27%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.72%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.46%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.29%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 2%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 1.91%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.34%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (11.27%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.76%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.35%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.83%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.09%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Golf year
The full picture: Volkswagen Golf reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Golf, 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 2011 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
2011 Volkswagen Golfs fail 32.9% of first MOT tests, 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 12 of 25 Golf years (179,224 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Golf MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.27% of tests), anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed (3.72% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.46% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Volkswagen Golf have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Volkswagen Golf shows 101,878 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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