Used car guide

2010 Volkswagen Jetta: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2010 Volkswagen Jettas, from 569 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

569MOT tests in 2025
67%pass first time (all 2010 cars: 59%)
7,300typical miles a year
45%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2010 Volkswagen Jetta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    45% 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
    34% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    28% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    27% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    10% 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
    7% 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.

Looking at a Volkswagen Jetta?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2016717Tyres 29%
20151,059Suspension 32%
2014906Suspension 39%
2013965Suspension 43%
20121,070Suspension 44%
2011801Suspension 48%
2009865Suspension 50%
20081,252Suspension 51%
20071,566Suspension 53%
20061,057Suspension 52%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2010 Volkswagen Jettas registered in 2010. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score