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Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) (2006-2010) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) built around 2010: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) models built around 2010 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 Jetta Mk5 (1K) right now?

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

Key figure

27% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) models built around 2010 ended in a fail (retests included), against 26% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) models built around 2010 involves the tyres.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2006-2010SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 7,765 tests of Jetta models registered 2006-2010.

About 1 in 12 Jetta Mk5 (1K) MOTs (8.2%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 969 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 6.6% and 10.0%. 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 Jetta Mk5 (1K) MOTs (6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 969 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.7% and 7.7%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk5 (1K) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
38324.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
96926.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,49929.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,23430.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,96330.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
71732.2%

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 19 years old.

How the Jetta Mk5 (1K) compares

At each age below, see how the Jetta Mk5 (1K) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 182,459 tests across 17 Volkswagen models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
38324.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
96926.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,49929.6%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,23430.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
1,96330.3%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
71732.2%

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.

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.

Suspension

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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 saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Jetta Mk5 (1K).

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.7%

    Lower fail rate: 19.7%, against 26.7% for the Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K), both built around 2010.

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

    1,466 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    BMW 5 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    82.6%

    Lower fail rate: 22.0%, against 26.7% for the Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K), both built around 2010.

    12 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    8,381 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  3. 3

    Audi A6

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    24.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.9%
    Dangerous
    7.3%
    Still registered at 10 years
    79.1%

    Lower fail rate: 24.6%, against 26.7% for the Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K), both built around 2010.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,068 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  4. 4

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.6%
    Dangerous
    6.5%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) on these figures.

    3,651 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

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

85%of all Volkswagen Jetta 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% · Fewer than typical

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

6 recalls in all

3 of the 6 Jetta Mk5 (1K) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Fire may occur
  • Abs/esc system may fail
  • Clutch may operate inadvertently with unexpected loss of drive

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

How Jetta Mk5 (1K) cars have aged

How Jetta Mk5 (1K) 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%1113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.1% (733 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (655 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.5% (601 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (525 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (440 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (1,318 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.9% (1,187 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (1,066 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (904 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.3% (742 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (2,062 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (1,820 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (1,558 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (1,336 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (1,073 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.0% (2,856 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (2,372 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (1,946 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.0% (1,560 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (1,140 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (2,311 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.4% (1,827 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.6% (1,362 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 28.9% (963 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (717 tests, 2025 data)2006
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
Mk5 (1K) variants compared

Jetta Mk5 (1K) variants built around 2010

The fail rate for each Jetta Mk5 (1K) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • JETTA27.3%751 tests

Petrol

  • JETTA24.8%218 tests
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Jettas of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Jetta built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk5 (1K) 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

    23.6%
    Advisory: 331Fail: 16 (5% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    18.9%
    Advisory: 267Fail: 34 (11% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    17.2%
    Advisory: 287Fail: 10 (3% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    12.8%
    Advisory: 167Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    10.2%
    Advisory: 89Fail: 52 (37% of the times it was found)

Based on 969 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Volkswagen Jetta Mk5 (1K) (2006-2010) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 969 15-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 7,765 MOT tests on Volkswagen Jettas first registered between 2006-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.