2015 Volkswagen Beetle: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2015 Volkswagen Beetles, from 3,262 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2015 Volkswagen Beetles than on all cars registered in 2015.
- Rear fog light16.4× usualVolkswagen Beetle8.2% All 2015 cars0.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 0.5% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usualVolkswagen Beetle13.9% All 2015 cars7.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.6%, against 1.4% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Coil springs1.8× usualVolkswagen Beetle9.7% All 2015 cars5.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.9%, against 3% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.
- Suspension arm2.2× usualVolkswagen Beetle2.6% All 2015 cars1.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2015 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Shock absorbers: 1.6% here, against 5.2% of all 2015 cars.
By area
The share of 2015 Volkswagen Beetle MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Suspension28% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Brakes21% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics15% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors6% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints2% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 893 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 1,520 | Tyres 29% |
| 2016 | 2,288 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 3,602 | Suspension 34% |
| 2013 | 4,448 | Suspension 33% |
| 2012 | 2,280 | Suspension 35% |
| 2011 | 663 | Lights and electrics 41% |
| 2010 | 2,034 | Suspension 44% |
| 2009 | 1,681 | Suspension 51% |
| 2008 | 2,126 | Suspension 54% |
| 2007 | 2,540 | Suspension 52% |
| 2006 | 2,509 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 2,507 | Suspension 46% |
| 2004 | 2,794 | Suspension 50% |
| 2003 | 2,067 | Suspension 53% |
| 2002 | 971 | Suspension 52% |
| 2001 | 795 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 538 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2015 Volkswagen Beetles registered in 2015. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score