2009 Volkswagen Golf: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2009 Volkswagen Golfs, from 40,531 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 2009 Volkswagen Golfs than on all cars registered in 2009.
- Shock absorbers1.7× usualVolkswagen Golf12.9% All 2009 cars7.5%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Ball joint dust cover2.2× usualVolkswagen Golf9.5% All 2009 cars4.4%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usualVolkswagen Golf10.2% All 2009 cars5.3%Rough price £60–£350
At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Link ball joint covers2.5× usualVolkswagen Golf7.7% All 2009 cars3.1%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Suspension arm2.1× usualVolkswagen Golf8.2% All 2009 cars3.9%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Rigid brake pipes: 0.6% here, against 7.5% of all 2009 cars. Headlamp: 3.8% here, against 8.3% of all 2009 cars.
By area
The share of 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension52% 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.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Brakes28% 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 electrics25% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints10% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Oil and fluid leaks9% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6,897 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 47,832 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 61,308 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 69,522 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 64,588 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 67,002 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 63,755 | Suspension 31% |
| 2013 | 54,310 | Suspension 35% |
| 2012 | 50,818 | Suspension 44% |
| 2011 | 48,351 | Suspension 50% |
| 2010 | 42,060 | Suspension 53% |
| 2008 | 35,266 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2009 Volkswagen Golfs registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score