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Volkswagen Golf Mk6 (2008-2012) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 built around 2012: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Golf Mk6 models built around 2012 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf Mk6?

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

Key figure

26% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Golf Mk6 models built around 2012 ended in a fail (retests included), against 27% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Golf Mk6 models built around 2012 involves the suspension.

Volkswagen Golf Mk6
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2008-2012HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 298,014 tests of Golf models registered 2008-2012.

About 1 in 20 Golf Mk6 MOTs (5.4%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2012 (13 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 69,615 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 Mk6 MOTs (6.7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2012 (13 years old).

Based on 69,615 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk6 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
28,16924.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
69,61525.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
63,80627.4%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
58,40228.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
49,24329.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
28,77929.8%

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 Golf Mk6 compares

At each age below, see how the Golf Mk6 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 222,491 tests across 20 Volkswagen models, built around 2012 (13 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
28,16924.8%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
69,61525.8%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
63,80627.4%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
58,40228.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
49,24329.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
28,77929.8%

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.

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.

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 Golf Mk6.

  1. 1

    Honda Fit

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.1%

    Lower fail rate: 17.1%, against 25.8% for the Volkswagen Golf Mk6, both built around 2012.

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

    1,522 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  2. 2

    Lexus CT

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2.5%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 18.2%, against 25.8% for the Volkswagen Golf Mk6, both built around 2012.

    5,401 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  3. 3

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 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.

    35,820 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

  4. 4

    Mini Cooper D

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.1%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 on these figures.

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

    1,478 MOT tests on cars built around 2012

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

7 of the 51 Golf Mk6 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 3 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Starter motor may malfunction and overheat
  • Fire may occur

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

How Golf Mk6 cars have aged

How Golf Mk6 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%911131517Age at MOTBuilt around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.7% (43,198 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 21.9% (43,057 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.1% (42,585 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (41,773 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.2% (40,846 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (43,787 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (42,787 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.9% (41,816 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.4% (40,219 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (38,199 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (40,852 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.7% (39,184 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (37,824 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (35,210 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (32,437 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.8% (39,247 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (37,160 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (35,422 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (32,480 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (29,356 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (44,476 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (41,229 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (37,776 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.1% (33,177 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (28,779 tests, 2025 data)2008
First registered around 2012First registered around 2011First registered around 2010First registered around 2009
Mk6 variants compared

Golf Mk6 variants built around 2012

The fail rate for each Golf Mk6 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • GOLF27.0%49,899 tests

Petrol

  • GOLF22.8%19,670 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 2012, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk6 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

    22.9%
    Advisory: 22,731Fail: 1,891 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    21.4%
    Advisory: 21,800Fail: 2,984 (12% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    13.3%
    Advisory: 14,594Fail: 671 (4% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    12.6%
    Advisory: 10,196Fail: 1,341 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.6%
    Advisory: 9,527Fail: 2,149 (18% of the times it was found)

Based on 69,615 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf Mk6?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2012 (13 years old), the Volkswagen Golf Mk6 (2008-2012) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 69,615 13-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 298,014 MOT tests on Volkswagen Golfs first registered between 2008-2012. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.