Volkswagen Bora MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,679 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Bora carried out in 2023. 42% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Boras passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2006. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2001 models did best (63% passed, +4.5 points against the average for 22-year-old cars), while 1999 models fared worst (50%, −12.9 points). Tested cars had covered 137,847 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 22.3% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 12.0% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,679
- First-time pass rate
- 58%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −13.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 137,847
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Bora?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Bora MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 235 | 57% | 56% | +0.9 points | 134,366 |
| 2005 | 1,614 | 57% | 56% | +1.1 points | 133,609 |
| 2004 | 1,316 | 57% | 56% | +1.2 points | 136,994 |
| 2003 | 1,215 | 57% | 57% | +0.5 points | 143,490 |
| 2002 | 1,010 | 59% | 58% | +1.7 points | 143,871 |
| 2001 | 581 | 63% | 59% | +4.5 points | 135,281 |
| 2000 | 475 | 57% | 61% | −3.7 points | 138,040 |
| 1999 | 226 | 50% | 62% | −12.9 points | 126,768 |
Why the Volkswagen Bora fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Bora | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.3% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 15.4% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 14.7% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 11.8% | 3.5% |
| Steering | 7.8% | 1.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.3% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 5.6% | 6.3% |
| Visibility | 4.8% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.4% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.9% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working12.0%
- 2projected beam image is obviously incorrect5.0%
- 3constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4%
- 4pin or bush excessively worn4.2%
- 5efficiency below requirements4.1%
- 6fractured or broken3.9%
- 7ball joint excessively worn3.3%
- 8ball joint has excessive play3.3%
- 9excessively corroded2.7%
- 10has a major leak of exhaust gases2.5%
Common Bora MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Bora, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 19.6% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 17.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 16.4% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 15.2% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.8% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 9.3% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 8.4% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 8.1% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.5% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 7.5% |
Tips to help your Bora pass
Based on where Boras most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 22.3% of Bora tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 14.7% of Bora tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Body and structure · 11.8% of Bora tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the Bora ULEZ compliant? See the Volkswagen Bora ULEZ check, or view all Volkswagen models.
Other Volkswagen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,679 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Bora carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 6,679 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Bora.
What is the Volkswagen Bora MOT failure rate?
In our data, 42% of 6,679 first MOT attempts on the Volkswagen Bora ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volkswagen Bora fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (22.3% of tests), suspension (15.4% of tests), brakes (14.7% of tests).
Which Bora year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2001 cars performed best: 63% passed first time, +4.5 points against the average for 22-year-old cars. The weakest was 1999, at 50% (−12.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Volkswagen Bora covered at its MOT?
The average was 137,847 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2006 cars averaged 134,366 miles and 1999 cars 126,768.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volkswagen Bora?
"excessively corroded" was recorded on 19.6% of tests, in the brakes area. 14.7% of Boras failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Bora's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,679 Boras in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 50% to 63% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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