2012 Volkswagen Golf · 182,033 MOT tests
2012 Volkswagen Golf reliability
2012 Volkswagen Golfs fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 25 Golf years (182,033 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Volkswagen Golf?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- 29.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 92,230
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 182,033
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 12% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 44% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volkswagen Golf
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12%
- Lights and electrics8.1%
- Brakes7.3%
- Tyres6.8%
- Body, chassis and structure3.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.56%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.22%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.15%
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 1.79%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.73%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 1.72%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.58%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.84%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (8.53%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.84%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.26%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.15%)
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 2012 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
2012 Volkswagen Golfs fail 29.1% of first MOT tests, 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 25 Golf years (182,033 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volkswagen Golf MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.56% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.22% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (2.15% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volkswagen Golf have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Volkswagen Golf shows 92,230 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Check a 2012 Volkswagen Golf free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.