Volkswagen Jetta common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Volkswagen Jetta?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)

  Cars registered 2009–2012 · 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

Common Volkswagen Jetta 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints

  up to 3.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  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.

• Suspension arm

  up to 5.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

  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.

• Coil springs

  up to 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Link ball joint covers

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

  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.

• Side repeaters

  up to 2.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

  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.

Volkswagen Jetta MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta did best (66% passed first time, 6 points above all 2010 cars) and the 2017 did worst (75%, 5 points below all 2017 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 Jetta

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. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the Volkswagen Jetta as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 5.4× as often on the Volkswagen Jetta as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the Volkswagen Jetta as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?