Volkswagen 40 vs Volkswagen Golf: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volkswagen 40
42%
MOT pass rate · 1 vehicles
Volkswagen Golf
75%
MOT pass rate · 1,830,545 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen 40 (42%) and Volkswagen Golf (75%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen 40 | Volkswagen Golf |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 42% | 75% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 58% | 25% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 5.6 | 2.0 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 4% | 2% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 252,670 mi | 117,668 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1 | 1,830,545 |
Most common faults
Volkswagen 40
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
- Central Seat belt damaged but webbing not significantly weakened (5.2.2a)
- Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Nearside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))
- FRONT & REAR DIFF PINION SEALS LEAKING OIL TRANSFER BOX LEAKING OIL
Volkswagen Golf
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen 40 (42%) and Volkswagen Golf (75%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen 40 report Full Volkswagen Golf report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.