Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Sporter: 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 Sporter
72%
MOT pass rate · 5 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Sporter (72%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen Sporter |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% ✓ | 72% |
| MOT failure rate | 25% ✓ | 28% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 ✓ | 2.4 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 0% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 117,668 mi | 129,089 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,830,545 | 5 |
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 Sporter
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- oil leak
- Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))
- Nearside Front Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))
- Offside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Sporter (72%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Golf report Full Volkswagen Sporter 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.