1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

1,558 MOT tests in 2024. 73.5% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time73.5%
Failed or needed repairs26.5%
Typical mileage at test130,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,558 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive3.2%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.1%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.4%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.3%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.0%
  7. Position lamp: not working1.9%
  8. Wheel bearings: has excessive play1.9%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working1.8%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics21.2%
  2. Brakes17.8%
  3. Suspension10.6%
  4. Body & chassis9.7%
  5. Emissions & leaks7.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  7. Steering4.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.1%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play10.4%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive. 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 1991 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 73.5% of 1991 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,558 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive; service brake imbalance: across an axle; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1991 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).