2020 Volkswagen Golf · 70,360 MOT tests
2020 Volkswagen Golf reliability
2020 Volkswagen Golfs fail 8.5% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 25 Golf years (70,360 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- 8.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 33% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 29,647
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 70,360
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 Volkswagen Golf
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.4%
- Lights and electrics1.2%
- Brakes1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%
- Suspension0.6%
- Seat belts and airbags0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.07%
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 0.77%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.68%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 0.51%
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.5%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.42%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.62%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.32%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.45%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (3.91%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.42%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.18%)
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 2020 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
2020 Volkswagen Golfs fail 8.5% of first MOT tests, 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 4 of 25 Golf years (70,360 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 Volkswagen Golf MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.07% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.77% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.68% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 Volkswagen Golf have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 Volkswagen Golf shows 29,647 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
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