2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Volkswagen Golf MOT pass rate and common faults

39,027 MOT tests in 2024. 91.0% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time91.0%
Failed or needed repairs9.1%
Typical mileage at test30,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 39,027 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    558 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
    569 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    390 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    297 marked dangerous
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.5%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.3%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high0.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.2%
  2. Lights & electrics1.3%
  3. Brakes1.3%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  6. Suspension0.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Wheels0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.3%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.8%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.1%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened2.2%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

In 2024, 91.0% of 2020 Volkswagen Golf cars passed their MOT first time, across 39,027 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Volkswagen Golf?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Golf reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).