2012 Volkswagen Golf: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Volkswagen Golfs, from 50,818 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 2012 Volkswagen Golfs than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Shock absorbers1.9× usualVolkswagen Golf12.6% All 2012 cars6.5%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.
- Anti-roll bar link joints2.3× usualVolkswagen Golf7.5% All 2012 cars3.2%Rough price £50–£150
At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.
- Link ball joint covers2.5× usualVolkswagen Golf6.2% All 2012 cars2.5%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 Golf5.4% All 2012 cars2.6%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.
- Side repeaters2× usualVolkswagen Golf2.4% All 2012 cars1.2%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
Rigid brake pipes: 0.3% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars. Number plate lights: 2.4% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Volkswagen Golf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension44% 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.
- Tyres34% 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.
- Brakes26% 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 electrics17% 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 mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints6% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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% |
| 2011 | 48,351 | Suspension 50% |
| 2010 | 42,060 | Suspension 53% |
| 2009 | 40,531 | Suspension 52% |
| 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 2012 Volkswagen Golfs registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score