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Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2007) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Golf Mk5 built around 2007: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Golf Mk5 models built around 2007 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf Mk5?

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

Key figure

31% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Golf Mk5 models built around 2007 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Golf Mk5 models built around 2007 involves the suspension.

Volkswagen Golf Mk5
average reliability2004-2007HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 115,504 tests of Golf models registered 2004-2007.

About 1 in 12 Golf Mk5 MOTs (8.7%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2007 (18 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 41,735 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 Golf Mk5 MOTs (7.4%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2007 (18 years old).

Based on 41,735 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk5 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
21,17430.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
41,73531.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
28,21532.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
16,58633.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
7,79433.6%

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 21 years old.

How the Golf Mk5 compares

At each age below, see how the Golf Mk5 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 120,837 tests across 15 Volkswagen models, built around 2007 (18 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
21,17430.8%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
41,73531.4%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
28,21532.2%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
16,58633.4%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
7,79433.6%

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 discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

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 Golf Mk5.

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.8%
    Dangerous
    3.7%

    Lower fail rate: 22.4%, against 31.4% for the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, both built around 2007.

    2,018 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  2. 2

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 27.7%, against 31.4% for the Volkswagen Golf Mk5, both built around 2007.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,859 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  3. 3

    Toyota Corolla

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    6.8%

    Fewer fails still not passed 3 days later: 5.5%, against 8.7% for the Volkswagen Golf Mk5.

    7 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    9,326 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

  4. 4

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    26,628 MOT tests on cars built around 2007

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.

How many are still registered

92%of all Volkswagen Golf cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · The same

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

51 recalls in all

3 of the 51 Golf Mk5 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 1 more

Top concerns

  • Fire may occur
  • Heating element may overheat
  • Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break

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

What has gone wrong on Golf Mk5 cars built around 2007

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 3,570 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
56%
Emissions
31%
Drivetrain
31%
Bodywork
6%
Steering
1%

Wear items

Tyres
53%
Brakes
48%
Lighting
45%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 19% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2007 (18 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Golf tests (not specific to Mk5).

1.0 to 1.4 litres33.9%4,773 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres30.7%15,339 tests2.0 to 3.0 litres25.7%1,906 tests3.0 litres or more20.6%1,554 tests
How Golf Mk5 cars have aged

How Golf Mk5 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%1415161718192021Age at MOTBuilt around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (46,010 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (41,091 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (36,149 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (30,906 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (25,988 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (37,076 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (31,807 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (27,001 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (21,895 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (17,627 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (27,952 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (22,842 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.4% (18,287 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (14,150 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (10,871 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 34.8% (21,516 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (17,019 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (13,215 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (10,108 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (7,794 tests, 2025 data)2004
First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005First registered around 2004
How each part holds up as Mk5 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk5 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 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 car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension56%63%67%63%
Brakes48%60%58%59%
Emissions31%27%27%27%
Tyres53%58%61%60%
Lighting45%56%67%67%
Drivetrain31%29%48%56%
Bodywork6%9%12%12%
Steering1%3%4%6%
Corrosion19%22%24%24%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 2,928 to 3,570 cars at each age.

Mk5 variants compared

Golf Mk5 variants built around 2007

The fail rate for each Golf Mk5 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • GOLF30.3%23,552 tests

Diesel

  • GOLF32.8%18,155 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Golfs of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Golf built around 2007, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk5 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    25.7%
    Advisory: 16,370Fail: 2,424 (13% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    25.4%
    Advisory: 14,810Fail: 1,333 (8% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    17.2%
    Advisory: 12,675Fail: 136 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    13.7%
    Advisory: 5,782Fail: 62 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.9%
    Advisory: 6,266Fail: 1,354 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 41,735 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf Mk5?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2007 (18 years old), the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 (2004-2007) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 41,735 18-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 115,504 MOT tests on Volkswagen Golfs first registered between 2004-2007. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.