2011 Volkswagen Jetta: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Volkswagen Jettas, from 801 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 2011 Volkswagen Jettas than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Suspension arm2.3× usualVolkswagen Jetta7.5% All 2011 cars3.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Number plate lights: 3.6% here, against 8.1% of all 2011 cars. Exhaust system: 2.5% here, against 6.4% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 Volkswagen Jetta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension48% 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.
- Tyres33% 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 electrics18% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks5% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 717 | Tyres 29% |
| 2015 | 1,059 | Suspension 32% |
| 2014 | 906 | Suspension 39% |
| 2013 | 965 | Suspension 43% |
| 2012 | 1,070 | Suspension 44% |
| 2010 | 569 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 865 | Suspension 50% |
| 2008 | 1,252 | Suspension 51% |
| 2007 | 1,566 | Suspension 53% |
| 2006 | 1,057 | Suspension 52% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Volkswagen Jettas registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score