1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

1,168 MOT tests in 2024. 59.5% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time59.5%
Failed or needed repairs40.5%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,168 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.7%
  2. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.4%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.3%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.1%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.7%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.7%
  9. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.5%
  10. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes22.0%
  2. Lights & electrics21.9%
  3. Suspension21.2%
  4. Emissions & leaks16.6%
  5. Body & chassis10.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.3%
  7. Tyres6.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags5.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.3%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.9%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.5%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1998 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 59.5% of 1998 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,168 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; position lamp: not working; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).