2012 Volkswagen CC: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volkswagen CC?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volkswagen CC than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.3× usual
  Volkswagen CC

  20.6% All 2012 cars

  9.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usual
  Volkswagen CC

  5.7% All 2012 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 1.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Airbag warning light4.3× usual
  Volkswagen CC

  2.6% All 2012 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.6% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Suspension arm1.8× usual
  Volkswagen CC

  3.4% All 2012 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2012 Volkswagen CC MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Volkswagen CC MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  39% 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
  36% 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
  21% 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
  16% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  4% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volkswagen CC

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen CC as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen CC as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen CC as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?