Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Type 3: 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 Type 3
76%
MOT pass rate · 40 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Type 3 (76%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen Type 3 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% | 76% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 25% | 24% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 ✓ | 2.2 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 1% ✓ |
| Average mileage | 117,668 mi | 79,319 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,830,545 | 40 |
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 Type 3
- Oil leak
- Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3)
- Offside Front Front suspension has slight play in a lower suspension ball joint (2.5.B.1a)
- Nearside Front position lamp(s) not working (1.1.A.3b)
- Nearside Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)
- Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has a slightly worn bush (2.7.4)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Type 3 (76%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Golf report Full Volkswagen Type 3 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.