2016 Volkswagen Golf · 229,638 MOT tests
2016 Volkswagen Golf reliability
2016 Volkswagen Golfs fail 13.7% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 25 Golf years (229,638 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- 13.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 57,696
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 229,638
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.8%
- Lights and electrics2.6%
- Brakes2.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.1%
- Suspension2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%
- Body, chassis and structure0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.43%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.24%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.19%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.08%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.99%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.87%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.47%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.68%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.01%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.44%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.66%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.96%)
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 2016 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
2016 Volkswagen Golfs fail 13.7% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 25 Golf years (229,638 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen Golf MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.43% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.24% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.19% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Volkswagen Golf have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Volkswagen Golf shows 57,696 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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