2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Volkswagen Beetle MOT pass rate and common faults

1,206 MOT tests in 2024. 48.3% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time48.3%
Failed or needed repairs51.7%
Typical mileage at test105,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,206 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect7.8%
  2. Stop lamp: not working6.0%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.9%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.3%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.9%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.9%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.8%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.7%
  9. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics42.5%
  2. Suspension24.9%
  3. Brakes22.6%
  4. Emissions & leaks22.4%
  5. Body & chassis12.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.0%
  7. Steering8.9%
  8. Tyres8.0%

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. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.2%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.9%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened15.3%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.3%

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 2002 Volkswagen Beetle?

In 2024, 48.3% of 2002 Volkswagen Beetle cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,206 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; stop lamp: not working; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Beetle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).