2024 Volkswagen Golf: known problems and what to check
Cars registered in 2024 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2024 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.
- All engines
Software glitches
The most common complaint: engine cut-outs, false safety warnings, phone pairing and keyless entry problems. Big updates need a dealer.
At the viewing: Drive it long enough for the screens and driver aids to settle, and check for warnings.
- eHybrid plug-in
eHybrid fuel use
If the plug-in hybrid isn't charged often, real economy is about 50mpg, far below the official figure.
At the viewing: Ask how it was charged and check the charging cable is there.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2024 Volkswagen Golf
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the software been updated at a dealer?
- How often was it charged?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2024 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Looking at a Volkswagen Golf?
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Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Golf compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 956 | Tyres 14% |
| 2022 | 25,721 | Tyres 27% |
| 2021 | 28,581 | Tyres 28% |
| 2020 | 39,589 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 52,885 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 61,339 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 69,559 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 64,629 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 67,035 | Suspension 29% |
| 2014 | 63,805 | Suspension 31% |
| 2013 | 54,339 | Suspension 35% |
| 2012 | 50,845 | Suspension 44% |
| 2011 | 48,378 | Suspension 50% |
| 2010 | 42,078 | Suspension 53% |
| 2009 | 40,541 | Suspension 52% |
| 2008 | 35,280 | Suspension 52% |
| 2007 | 34,305 | Suspension 53% |
| 2006 | 24,267 | Suspension 52% |
| 2005 | 15,641 | Suspension 51% |
| 2004 | 9,672 | Suspension 54% |
| 2003 | 13,796 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 11,757 | Suspension 49% |
| 2001 | 6,490 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 3,601 | Suspension 49% |
| 1999 | 2,181 | Suspension 50% |
| 1998 | 1,023 | Suspension 45% |
| 1997 | 861 | Suspension 37% |
| 1996 | 833 | Brakes 39% |
| 1995 | 420 | Suspension 39% |
| 1994 | 235 | Brakes 33% |
| 1993 | 261 | Brakes 30% |
| 1992 | 562 | Brakes 28% |
| 1991 | 1,604 | Brakes 25% |
| 1990 | 1,536 | Brakes 27% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1977 | – | Too few tests |
| 1976 | – | Too few tests |
| 1975 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score