2018 Volkswagen Golf · 222,617 MOT tests
2018 Volkswagen Golf reliability
2018 Volkswagen Golfs fail 11.5% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 25 Golf years (222,617 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- 11.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 27% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- 40,727
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 5
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 222,617
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 31% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Strong point: brakes, 46% 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 Golf
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.3%
- Lights and electrics2.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.1%
- Brakes1.6%
- Suspension1.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.5%
- Seat belts and airbags0.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.34%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.21%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.15%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.06%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.96%
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 0.61%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.62%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (9.2%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.91%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.81%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (3.63%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (1.66%)
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 2018 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
2018 Volkswagen Golfs fail 11.5% of first MOT tests, 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 25 Golf years (222,617 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Volkswagen Golf MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.34% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.21% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.15% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Volkswagen Golf have done?
At its MOT aged about 5, a typical 2018 Volkswagen Golf shows 40,727 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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