2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Volkswagen Beetle MOT pass rate and common faults

998 MOT tests in 2024. 50.2% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time50.2%
Failed or needed repairs49.8%
Typical mileage at test101,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 998 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.9%
  2. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction5.9%
  3. Stop lamp: not working5.7%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.1%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.7%
  6. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.5%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.3%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics39.7%
  2. Emissions & leaks27.4%
  3. Suspension23.6%
  4. Brakes22.3%
  5. Body & chassis10.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.0%
  7. Tyres8.0%
  8. Steering6.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.9%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened16.3%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.2%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle?

In 2024, 50.2% of 2001 Volkswagen Beetle cars passed their MOT first time, across 998 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; stop lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Beetle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).