Volkswagen E-Golf common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Volkswagen E-Golf?

We haven’t found widely reported faults for the Volkswagen E-Golf in the UK buying guides we use yet. That doesn’t mean it has none, so check the car carefully and look at the MOT weak spots below.

Common Volkswagen E-Golf MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 9.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Tyre condition

  up to 1.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2019 and 2020.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges. Uneven wear can point to tracking or suspension problems.

Volkswagen E-Golf MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2019 Volkswagen E-Golf did best (86% passed first time, 1 point above all 2019 cars) and the 2020 did worst (87%, 0 points above all 2020 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Volkswagen E-Golf

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

1. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 9.2× as often on the Volkswagen E-Golf as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the Volkswagen E-Golf as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?