Volkswagen Jetta MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 15,432 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Jetta carried out in 2023. 35% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Jettas passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1990 to 2017. Compared with other cars of the same age, 1990 models did best (83% passed, +12.1 points against the average for 33-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (75%, −7.0 points). Tested cars had covered 109,292 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 16.4% of tests (noticeably above the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 6.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 15,432
- First-time pass rate
- 65%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −6.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 109,292
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Jetta?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Jetta 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 352 | 75% | 82% | −7.0 points | 52,366 |
| 2016 | 800 | 76% | 79% | −3.0 points | 65,242 |
| 2015 | 1,176 | 73% | 75% | −2.4 points | 73,876 |
| 2014 | 1,061 | 69% | 72% | −2.6 points | 86,389 |
| 2013 | 1,127 | 68% | 68% | −0.3 points | 94,226 |
| 2012 | 1,280 | 65% | 66% | −0.8 points | 106,194 |
| 2011 | 1,001 | 65% | 63% | +2.2 points | 110,736 |
| 2010 | 747 | 64% | 60% | +3.5 points | 110,840 |
| 2009 | 1,232 | 63% | 59% | +3.6 points | 111,626 |
| 2008 | 1,851 | 62% | 57% | +4.5 points | 126,210 |
| 2007 | 2,559 | 59% | 57% | +2.5 points | 132,533 |
| 2006 | 1,895 | 59% | 56% | +2.5 points | 134,191 |
| 1991 | 65 | 66% | 70% | −3.7 points | 120,519 |
| 1990 | 59 | 83% | 71% | +12.1 points | 129,625 |
Why the Volkswagen Jetta fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Jetta | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 16.4% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 11.3% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 9.0% | 6.8% |
| Tyres | 7.2% | 6.3% |
| Body and structure | 5.6% | 3.5% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.6% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 4.5% | 4.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.9% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 1.0% | 1.8% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken6.3%
- 2not working4.7%
- 3ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
- 4pin or bush excessively worn3.8%
- 5constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.0%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7%
- 7inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
- 8ball joint excessively worn2.5%
- 9efficiency below requirements2.5%
- 10has ply or cords exposed2.3%
Common Jetta MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Jetta, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 18.2% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 12.6% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 12.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.4% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 7.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.1% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.8% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 5.4% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 4.3% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 3.5% |
Tips to help your Jetta pass
Based on where Jettas most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 11.3% of Jetta 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 · 9.0% of Jetta 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Jetta ULEZ compliant? See the Volkswagen Jetta ULEZ check, or view all Volkswagen models.
Other Volkswagen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 15,432 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Jetta 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 15,432 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Jetta.
What is the Volkswagen Jetta MOT failure rate?
In our data, 35% of 15,432 first MOT attempts on the Volkswagen Jetta ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volkswagen Jetta fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (16.4% of tests), lights and electrics (11.3% of tests), brakes (9.0% of tests).
Which Jetta year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 1990 cars performed best: 83% passed first time, +12.1 points against the average for 33-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 75% (−7.0 points).
How many miles had a typical Volkswagen Jetta covered at its MOT?
The average was 109,292 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2017 cars averaged 52,366 miles and 1990 cars 129,625.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volkswagen Jetta?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 18.2% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.2% of Jettas failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Jetta's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 15,432 Jettas in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 59% to 83% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 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 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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