2021 Volkswagen Golf · 13,678 MOT tests
2021 Volkswagen Golf reliability
2021 Volkswagen Golfs fail 9.3% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 25 Golf years (13,678 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- 9.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Golfs: 25.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 28,686
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 13,678
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 33% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 1.1% of tests fail here (56% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 59% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 Volkswagen Golf
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.6%
- Lights and electrics1.1%
- Suspension1.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%
- Brakes0.8%
- Seat belts and airbags0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.95%
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 0.91%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.78%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.74%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 0.39%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.37%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (6.5%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.34%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (2.57%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.41%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (0.99%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (0.87%)
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 2021 Volkswagen Golf reliable?
2021 Volkswagen Golfs fail 9.3% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 25 Golf years (13,678 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Volkswagen Golf MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (0.95% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (0.91% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.78% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Volkswagen Golf have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Volkswagen Golf shows 28,686 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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