2016 Volkswagen Golf: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Volkswagen Golfs, from 64,588 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 2016 Volkswagen Golfs than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Shock absorbers3.5× usualVolkswagen Golf15.1% All 2016 cars4.3%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.
- Suspension arm3.3× usualVolkswagen Golf2.3% All 2016 cars0.7%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.
By area
The share of 2016 Volkswagen Golf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres28% 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.
- Suspension23% 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.
- Brakes20% 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 electrics7% 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 mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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 housingTSI 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.
- DSG automatic judderDSG 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.
- 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.
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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% |
| 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% |
| 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 2016 Volkswagen Golfs registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score