Skip to main content
Check

Volkswagen Fox 5Z (2005-2011) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Fox 5Z built around 2011: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Fox 5Z models built around 2011 fail their MOT a little more often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volkswagen Fox 5Z?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

34% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Fox 5Z models built around 2011 ended in a fail (retests included), against 31% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Fox 5Z models built around 2011 involves the tyres.

Volkswagen Fox 5Z
poor reliability2005-2011HatchbackPETROL

Based on 33,777 tests of Fox models registered 2005-2011.

About 1 in 15 Fox 5Z MOTs (7.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2011 (14 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 5,728 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 20 Fox 5Z MOTs (5.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2011 (14 years old).

Based on 5,728 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

5Z fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,17231.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,72833.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
8,98633.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,64934.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,86935.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
4,96334.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,41033.1%

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 17 years old.

How the Fox 5Z compares

At each age below, see how the Fox 5Z holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 202,753 tests across 19 Volkswagen models, built around 2011 (14 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,17231.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,72833.9%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
8,98633.4%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
5,64934.8%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
5,86935.5%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
4,96334.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
1,41033.1%

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check 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 Fox 5Z.

  1. 1

    Toyota IQ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.9%
    Dangerous
    4.1%

    Lower fail rate: 20.6%, against 33.9% for the Volkswagen Fox 5Z, both built around 2011.

    3,673 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Hyundai i10

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.8%
    Dangerous
    7.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 27.2%, against 33.9% for the Volkswagen Fox 5Z, both built around 2011.

    21,068 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Honda Insight

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    5.8%

    Lower fail rate: 25.7%, against 33.9% for the Volkswagen Fox 5Z, both built around 2011.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,777 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Nissan Pixo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    6.1%

    Lower fail rate: 27.4%, against 33.9% for the Volkswagen Fox 5Z, both built around 2011.

    3,339 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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

2 recalls in all

Both Fox 5Z recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Takata front airbag

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Fox 5Z cars have aged

How Fox 5Z 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.

0%10%20%30%1012141618Age at MOTBuilt around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (2,396 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (2,266 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (2,195 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (2,177 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (1,988 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (7,890 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (7,628 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (7,285 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (6,917 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (6,234 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (4,650 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (4,415 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (4,160 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (3,888 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (3,573 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (4,993 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (4,670 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (4,369 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (3,876 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (3,489 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (5,514 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (5,035 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (4,560 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (3,854 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (3,264 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (2,669 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (2,303 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (1,971 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (1,665 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (1,410 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008
5Z variants compared
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Foxes of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Fox built around 2011, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the 5Z on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    19.6%
    Advisory: 1,502Fail: 112 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    16.6%
    Advisory: 1,268Fail: 149 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    15.9%
    Advisory: 722Fail: 232 (24% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    11.8%
    Advisory: 795Fail: 189 (19% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    11.4%
    Advisory: 561Fail: 240 (30% of the times it was found)

Based on 5,728 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Fox 5Z?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Volkswagen Fox 5Z (2005-2011) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 5,728 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 33,777 MOT tests on Volkswagen Foxes first registered between 2005-2011. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.