Volkswagen Golf Mk7 (2013-2019) reliability
Volkswagen Golf Mk7 built around 2018: about average at the MOT
Volkswagen Golf Mk7 models built around 2018 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age.
Looking at a Volkswagen Golf Mk7?
Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.
Key figure
13% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Golf Mk7 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 Golf Mk7 models built around 2018 involves the tyres.
Based on 515,896 tests of Golf models registered 2013-2019.
About 1 in 75 Golf Mk7 MOTs (1.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 76,720 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 Golf Mk7 MOTs (4.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).
Based on 76,720 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
Mk7 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 12 years old.
How the Golf Mk7 compares
At each age below, see how the Golf Mk7 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 Golf Mk7.
- 1
Suzuki SX4
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 13.5%
No clear edge over the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 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
- 2
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 Golf Mk7 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.
50,561 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 3
Fiat 500
Same body type, tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 16.9%
No clear edge over the Volkswagen Golf Mk7 on these figures.
Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.
1,235 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- 4
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 Golf Mk7 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.
3,383 MOT tests on cars built around 2018
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- 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
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 all16 of the 51 Golf Mk7 recalls cover cars built in these years.
- 3 Critical
- 13 more
Top concerns
- Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
- Passenger airbag may not deploy as intended
- The fuse in the high-voltage system of plug-in hybrid vehicles was in some cases produced with too little so-called fire
For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.
What has gone wrong on Golf Mk7 cars built around 2018
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 3,393 cars.
Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)
Engine sizes across all petrol Golf tests (not specific to Mk7).
How Golf Mk7 cars have aged
How Golf Mk7 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.
How each part holds up as Mk7 cars age
How each part holds up as Mk7 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 | 8 years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2% | 4% | 4% | 8% |
| Brakes | 4% | 5% | 8% | 9% |
| Emissions | 1% | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Tyres | 12% | 18% | 22% | 23% |
| Lighting | 1% | 2% | 4% | 4% |
| Corrosion | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 357 to 3,393 cars at each age.
Mk7 variants compared
Golf Mk7 variants built around 2018
The fail rate for each Golf Mk7 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.
Petrol
- GOLF11.6%48,484 tests
Diesel
- GOLF14.5%24,040 tests
Hybrid electric
- GOLF14.4%3,713 tests
Electricity
- GOLF12.6%414 tests
Most common issues on Volkswagen Golfs of this age
This list covers every Volkswagen Golf built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk7 on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 117.0%Advisory
Shock absorber has a light misting of oil
- 216.5%Advisory
Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge
- 311.3%Advisory
Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing
- 410.8%Advisory
Brake pads wearing thin
- 57.3%Advisory
Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
Based on 76,720 tests
Looking at a Volkswagen Golf Mk7?
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 Golf Mk7 (2013-2019) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 76,720 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.