2012 Volkswagen Jetta · 3,900 MOT tests
2012 Volkswagen Jetta reliability
2012 Volkswagen Jettas fail 33.2% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 12 Jetta years (3,900 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Jettas: 35%)
- 33.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Jettas: 35%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 6% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- 98,471
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,900
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: about average for its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 17.5% of tests fail here (38% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 52% 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 Jetta
Fail rate by area
- Suspension17.5%
- Lights and electrics9.4%
- Tyres7.6%
- Brakes7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.1%
- Body, chassis and structure2.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 7.28%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 5.18%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.72%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.72%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Position lamp not working 2.08%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.97%
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 (16.49%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.26%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.28%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.05%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.85%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (5.69%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Jetta year
The full picture: Volkswagen Jetta reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Jetta, 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 Jetta reliable?
2012 Volkswagen Jettas fail 33.2% of first MOT tests, 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 12 Jetta years (3,900 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (7.28% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (5.18% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.72% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta have done?
At its MOT aged about 10, a typical 2012 Volkswagen Jetta shows 98,471 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).
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