Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Karmann beetle: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volkswagen Golf
75%
MOT pass rate · 1,830,545 vehicles
Volkswagen Karmann beetle
64%
MOT pass rate · 3 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Karmann beetle (64%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen Karmann beetle |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% ✓ | 64% |
| MOT failure rate | 25% ✓ | 36% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 1.8 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 117,668 mi | 47,030 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,830,545 | 3 |
Most common faults
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)
Volkswagen Karmann beetle
- Offside Front Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))
- Fuel hose leaking (6.1.3 (b) (i))
- Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.1.3 (b) (i))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Karmann beetle (64%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Golf report Full Volkswagen Karmann beetle 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.