MOT reliability

Volkswagen Beetl

Q: Is the Volkswagen Beetl reliable?

Across 48 Volkswagen Beetl vehicles in our MOT data, 72% pass the MOT (a 28% failure rate), with about 1.7 faults or advisories recorded per test.

48 vehicles · 257 completed MOT tests analysed

72%

MOT pass rate

Based on 48 Volkswagen Beetl vehicles and 257 completed MOT tests, the Volkswagen Beetl has an overall 72% pass rate, with an average recorded mileage of 66,242 miles.

Vehicles

257

MOT tests

6,750

Avg miles / year

1.7

Faults per test

Dangerous-fault share

Volkswagen Beetl problem areas

Where faults occur most across all Volkswagen Beetl MOT tests:

Other87%
Tyres, wheels & suspension10%
Brakes9%
Emissions & nuisance6%
Steering4%
Seatbelts & equipment2%
Lamps & electrical1%
Body & structure1%

Volkswagen Beetl pass rate by age

How the Volkswagen Beetl's MOT pass rate changes as it ages (buckets with 20+ tests).

Age (years)	Tests	Pass rate
1	1	100%
2	3	67%
3	5	100%
4	10	90%
5	22	73%
6	28	79%
7	35	69%
8	31	74%
9	19	63%
10	2	100%
11	2	100%
12	1	100%
13	1	100%
14	5	80%
15	4	50%
16	4	75%
17	4	100%
18	5	80%
19	5	80%
20	7	57%

Fuel types: Petrol (46), Diesel (2)

Most common Volkswagen Beetl MOT faults

These are the faults and advisories recorded most often across Volkswagen Beetl MOT tests:

Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (16 times)
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (8 times)
Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b) (7 times)
Windscreen washer provides insufficient washer liquid (8.2.3) (7 times)
Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g) (6 times)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3) (6 times)
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content at idle excessive (7.3.D.4) (6 times)
Offside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f) (6 times)
Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3) (5 times)
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3) (5 times)
Horn not working (1.6.2a) (5 times)
Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8) (5 times)
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1) (5 times)
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2) (5 times)
Nearside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1) (4 times)

Volkswagen Beetl pass rate by registration year

Year	Vehicles	Tests	Pass rate	Avg mileage
2006	1	8	88%	47,079
2005	2	26	81%	83,630
2004	1	4	50%	15,706
2003	1	5	80%	42,852
2002	5	24	79%	55,071
2001	6	20	75%	63,967
2000	11	52	73%	71,322
1999	8	35	66%	81,599
1995	1	1	100%	464
1991	2	12	67%	20,379
1990	1	6	67%	26,732
1989	2	7	86%	87,515
1985	1	9	56%	85,564
1982	1	10	80%	74,925
1981	1	4	75%	174,391
1975	1	4	75%	41,449
1972	1	16	62%	37,733
1971	2	14	64%	76,596

Volkswagen Beetl reliability FAQ

Across 48 Volkswagen Beetl vehicles in our MOT data, 72% pass the MOT (a 28% failure rate), with about 1.7 faults or advisories recorded per test.

The most frequently recorded Volkswagen Beetl MOT issues are: Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1); Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1); Brakes imbalanced across an axle (3.7.B.5b).

The typical Volkswagen Beetl in our data has covered around 66,242 miles.

Compare the Volkswagen Beetl

See how the Volkswagen Beetl stacks up against other Volkswagen models on MOT reliability:

Beetl vs Golf Beetl vs Polo Beetl vs Passat Beetl vs Transporter

Check a specific Volkswagen Beetl

Enter a registration to see that exact vehicle's full MOT history, advisories and recurring faults.

See all Volkswagen models · Learn about common MOT failures · what an MOT checks