Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) (2017-present) reliability
Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
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Key figure
12% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 10,221 tests of Arteon models registered 2017+.
About 1 in 8 petrol Arteon cars registered in 2022 (12.1%) failed their first MOT.
Based on 933 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).
About 1 in 40 Arteon Mk1 (3H) MOTs (2.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 1,745 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 Arteon Mk1 (3H) MOTs (6.1%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 1,745 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk1 (3H) fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 6 years old.
How the Arteon Mk1 (3H) compares
At each age below, see how the Arteon Mk1 (3H) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 266,306 tests across 19 Volkswagen models, built around 2018 (7 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pads
High priorityAsk when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.
Brake discs
High priorityAsk for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.
Tyres
Worth checkingCheck tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.
Shock absorbers
Worth checkingBounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Other hatchbacks to compare
Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Arteon Mk1 (3H).
- 1
Mini
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 12.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 95.6%
No clear edge over the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 2
MG 3
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 23.3%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.1%
No clear edge over the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
No clear edge over the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
3,314 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
Lexus CT
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 10.5%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 1.1%
- Dangerous
- 4.2%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 88.2%
Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 1.1%, against 2.3% for the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H).
3,255 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
9 recalls in allAll 9 Arteon Mk1 (3H) recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 1 Critical
- 8 more
Top concerns
- The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire
- On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (direct shift gearbox) of a limited production period the
- Engine compartment covers could come loose from their attachment
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Arteon Mk1 (3H) cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 72 cars.
How Arteon Mk1 (3H) cars have aged
How Arteon Mk1 (3H) cars have aged
How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.
Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.
How each part holds up as Mk1 (3H) cars age
How each part holds up as Mk1 (3H) cars age
The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.
| Part of the car | 5 years | 6 years | 7 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 4% | 8% | 7% |
| Brakes | 13% | 10% | 7% |
| Tyres | 27% | 24% | 17% |
| Lighting | 7% | 4% | 1% |
| Steering | No figure | 1% | No figure |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 55 to 90 cars at each age.
Mk1 (3H) variants compared
Arteon Mk1 (3H) variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each Arteon Mk1 (3H) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- ARTEON12.2%1,047 tests
Diesel
- ARTEON12.8%698 tests
Most common issues on Volkswagen Arteons of this age
This list covers every Volkswagen Arteon built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (3H) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 117.2%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 211.1%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 310.1%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 49.8%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 57.8%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 1,745 tests
Looking at a Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) right now?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Frequently asked questions
Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volkswagen Arteon Mk1 (3H) (2017-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 1,745 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.