Used car guide

2016 Volkswagen Jetta: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Volkswagen Jettas, from 717 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

717MOT tests in 2025
71%pass first time (all 2016 cars: 75%)
7,900typical miles a year
2.5×the usual rate for coil springs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2016 Volkswagen Jettas than on all cars registered in 2016.

  • Coil springs2.5× usual
    Volkswagen Jetta
    10.3% All 2016 cars
    4.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.7%, against 2.5% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

By area

The share of 2016 Volkswagen Jetta MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    29% 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.

  • Suspension
    28% 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.

  • Brakes
    24% 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
    10% 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
    4% 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
20151,059Suspension 32%
2014906Suspension 39%
2013965Suspension 43%
20121,070Suspension 44%
2011801Suspension 48%
2010569Suspension 45%
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 2016 Volkswagen Jettas registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score