2009 Volkswagen Golf: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Volkswagen Golf?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Volkswagen Golf than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Shock absorbers1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  12.5% All 2009 cars

  7.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 2% of all 2009 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.

• Ball joint dust cover2.2× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  9.1% All 2009 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.7% of all 2009 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.

• Link ball joint covers2.6× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  7.4% All 2009 cars

  2.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.7% of all 2009 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.8× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  8.8% All 2009 cars

  4.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 2.3% of all 2009 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Suspension arm1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  5.9% All 2009 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.4% of all 2009 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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 Volkswagen Golf MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% 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
  35% 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
  28% 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
  23% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  9% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2009 Volkswagen Golf

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)

  1.2 TSI petrol (older engine)

  The older 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch. It starts as a rattle, especially when the engine first starts, and if it’s left the chain can fail and destroy the engine. Some garages advise changing it as often as every four years or 40,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask whether the chain has been changed, with an invoice.

  Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Polo (2009-2017) used review

• Alarm that goes off by itself

  All engines

  The alarm can be temperamental. A dealer software update usually fixes it.

  At the viewing: Lock the car and leave it a few minutes during the viewing.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

• Phone won't pair (early cars)

  All engines

  Some early Bluetooth systems don't recognise many phones, and the fix can cost around £500.

  At the viewing: Pair your own phone.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

• Creaks from the front suspension

  All engines

  Dried-out suspension bushes creak over bumps, more in warm weather.

  At the viewing: Listen over speed bumps with the window down.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Volkswagen Golf

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

1. Has the timing chain been changed, and is there an invoice? Does it rattle when you start it from cold?
2. Has the alarm been fixed or updated?
3. Does Bluetooth work with modern phones?
4. Have the suspension bushes been replaced?
5. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Golf as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2009 Volkswagen Golf as on other cars the same age.)