2006 · 18 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2006 Volkswagen Beetle MOT pass rate and common faults

2,985 MOT tests in 2024. 48.4% passed first time, compared with 56.1% for all cars the same age.

86Well below average
Passed first time48.4%
Failed or needed repairs51.6%
Typical mileage at test99,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,985 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction6.5%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.4%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.4%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.7%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.2%
  7. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.1%
  8. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  9. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.9%
  10. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.6%
  2. Emissions & leaks26.6%
  3. Suspension22.4%
  4. Brakes19.9%
  5. Body & chassis14.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.1%
  7. Steering9.8%
  8. Tyres8.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened16.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.6%
  4. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened11.8%
  5. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.0%

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: malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. 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 2006 Volkswagen Beetle?

In 2024, 48.4% of 2006 Volkswagen Beetle cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,985 tests. The average for all 18-year-old cars was 56.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2006 Volkswagen Beetle?

The most common failure reasons were malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2006 Volkswagen Beetle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 86, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).