Used car guide

2013 Volkswagen Golf: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Volkswagen Golfs, from 54,310 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

54,310MOT tests in 2025
75%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
8,000typical miles a year
3.5×the usual rate for shock absorbers

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2013 Volkswagen Golfs than on all cars registered in 2013.

  • Shock absorbers3.5× usual
    Volkswagen Golf
    20.8% All 2013 cars
    6%
    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.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 0.1% here, against 4.7% of all 2013 cars. Track rod end: 0.4% here, against 4.8% of all 2013 cars.

By area

The share of 2013 Volkswagen Golf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    35% 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.

  • Tyres
    31% 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.

  • Brakes
    23% 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 electrics
    13% 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 mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    5% 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.

Known faults

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Coolant leaks from the water pump housing
    TSI petrol

    The plastic water pump and thermostat housing on these petrol engines can weep coolant.

    At the viewing: Look around the engine for dried pink or white crust, and check the coolant level isn’t low.

    Source: Haynes: VW Golf Mk7.5 common faults

  • DSG automatic judder
    DSG automatic only

    DSG gearboxes can judder or hesitate when pulling away.

    At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, pull away gently several times and drive in stop-start traffic. Ask for proof of gearbox oil changes.

    Source: Haynes: VW Golf Mk7.5 common faults

  • Blocked particulate filter (diesel)
    TDI diesel

    Diesels used mostly for short trips can clog the particulate filter and EGR valve, leading to warning lights and limp mode.

    At the viewing: Ask what journeys the car does. Watch for DPF or engine warning lights on the drive.

    Source: Haynes: VW Golf Mk7.5 common faults

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20206,897Tyres 25%
201947,832Tyres 27%
201861,308Tyres 28%
201769,522Tyres 27%
201664,588Tyres 28%
201567,002Tyres 29%
201463,755Suspension 31%
201250,818Suspension 44%
201148,351Suspension 50%
201042,060Suspension 53%
200940,531Suspension 52%
200835,266Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Volkswagen Golfs registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score