Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Passat saloon r-line: 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 Passat saloon r-line
70%
MOT pass rate · 1 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Passat saloon r-line (70%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen Passat saloon r-line |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% ✓ | 70% |
| MOT failure rate | 25% ✓ | 30% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 | 1.1 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 117,668 mi | 144,246 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,830,545 | 1 |
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 Passat saloon r-line
- Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))
- Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))
- Offside Rear Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak (5.3.2 (b))
- Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Offside Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Passat saloon r-line (70%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Golf report Full Volkswagen Passat saloon r-line 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.