2016 Volkswagen Jetta · 2,682 MOT tests
2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliability
2016 Volkswagen Jettas fail 23.8% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 12 Jetta years (2,682 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Jettas: 35%)
- 23.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Jettas: 35%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 57,702
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,682
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 43% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 12.2% of tests fail here (151% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 50% 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 Jetta
Fail rate by area
- Suspension12.2%
- Tyres6.3%
- Brakes4.4%
- Lights and electrics3.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.4%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.8%
- Body, chassis and structure1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 5.29%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.96%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.6%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 1.53%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.3%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.27%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.91%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.35%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.05%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.75%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.04%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (2.24%)
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 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
2016 Volkswagen Jettas fail 23.8% of first MOT tests, 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 12 Jetta years (2,682 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta MOT?
Most often suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (5.29% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (4.96% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.6% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Volkswagen Jetta shows 57,702 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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