2020 Volkswagen E-Golf: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf than on all cars registered in 2020.

• Tyre condition1.9× usual
  Volkswagen E-Golf

  21.8% All 2020 cars

  11.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.5%, against 3.5% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Shock absorbers4.6× usual
  Volkswagen E-Golf

  7.4% All 2020 cars

  1.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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.

• Suspension
  8% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Brakes
  3% 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.

• Seats and seatbelts
  3% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

• Lights and electrics
  2% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2020 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 tyre condition? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 4.6× as often on the 2020 Volkswagen E-Golf as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?