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MOT History from tests of petrol VOLKSWAGEN BEATLEs year 1971

Review the list of common VOLKSWAGEN BEATLE failures below or to perform a specific mot history check on your VOLKSWAGEN then use our popular KnowYourCar service

mot history
Pass percent:51.05%
(The average a petrol VOLKSWAGEN BEATLE year 1971 passes without issue)
Based on:237 MOT Tests
Most common failuresNo# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment37
Horn not working |1.6.2a|18
Registration plate lamp issues15
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively14
Brakes imbalanced across an axle13
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|9
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|7
Registration plate issues7
Nearside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|6
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|6
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort6
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|6
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|6
Direction indicators not working |1.4.A.2c|5
Brake hose excessively deteriorated5
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|5
Offside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|4
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|4
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|4
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel |3.1.6b|4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|4
Offside Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|4
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|4
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|4
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|4
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|4
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.B.7|4
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|4
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|4
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|4
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|3
Brake pipe excessively corroded3
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|3
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|3
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|3
Driver`s seat insecure |6.2.A.1|3
Offside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|3
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|3
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|3
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|3
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|3
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|3
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|3
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|3
Offside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|3
Rear brake application uneven3
Nearside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|3
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|3
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside |1.8|2
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play |2.6.2|2
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|2
Brake performance not tested |3.7.A.1|2
Nearside Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings |2.2.B.1h|2
Nearside Rear position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|2
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|2
Front brake application uneven2
Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|2
Offside Front Brake hose twisted |found during steering lock to lock check| |2.2.D.2b|2
Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))2
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Rear Fuel hose leaking |7.2.3|2
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|2
Offside Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|2
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|2
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement2
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a upper suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|2
Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|2
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|2
Offside Front Brake actuating linkage mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.3.A.2|2
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|2
Brake hose has insufficient room to move2
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.2.C.1h|2
Offside Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|2
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|2
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort |3.7.B.5a|2
Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |3.6.C.3|2
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|2
Body insecure and dangerous to other road users |6.1.B.1b|2
Seat belt damaged sufficient to obstruct correct operation of the belt |5.2.2a|1
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm |2.2.B.1b|1
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside |1.8|1
Nearside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened |2.4.G.1|1
Offside Front Road wheel bead rim badly distorted |4.2.A.1a|1
Indicator tell tale inoperative |1.4.A.2a|1
Offside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|1
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Rear wheel cylinder leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly |1.4.B.1e|1
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view |8.1.2a|1
Nearside Front Seat belt locking mechanism does not secure or release |5.2.5a|1
Offside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened |2.4.G.1|1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp|s| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.1.A.3f|1
Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is fractured |2.4.A.3|1
Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Offside Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|1
Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|1
Offside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|1
Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|1
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play |2.6.2|1
Nearside Front Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Offside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.4.A.2h|1
Offside Rear Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.2.1f|1
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|1
Nearside Front Ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Front Steering pivot point has excessive play |2.2.B.1g|1
Nearside Front Lower Front suspension has excessive movement at a suspension ball joint |2.5.A.1c|1
Offside Front Lower Front suspension has excessive movement at a suspension ball joint |2.5.A.1c|1
Offside Driver`s seat insecure |6.2.A.1|1
Front Horn not working |1.6.2a|1
Rear Fuel hose insecure |7.2.1|1
Nearside Rear Electrical wiring insecure |1.9.2a|1
Offside Rear Electrical wiring insecure |1.9.2a|1
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Nearside Front passenger door does not latch securely closed |6.2.B.1a|1
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|1
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush |2.4.G.2|1
Centre Front Steering damper leaking oil |2.2.C.1f|1
Nearside Front Brake pipe inappropriately repaired |3.6.A.3|1
Offside Front Brake pipe inappropriately repaired |3.6.A.3|1
Battery insecure |1.9.1|1
Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour both sides |1.4.A.2f|1
Steering wheel locking device insecure steering wheel loose |2.1.6|1
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour |1.4.A.2f|1
Horn control insecure operates when steering is turned |1.6.1|1
Exhaust emits dense blue smoke at idle |7.3.A.2b|1
Rear Rear reflector missing |1.5.1a|1
Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|1
Offside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|1
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect |1.8.A.1b|1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp |1.2.1f|1
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bearing |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Inner Rear Front constant velocity joint is insecure |2.5.C.1b|1
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam |1.7.5a|1
Parking brake lever, pawl mechanism pivot|s| retaining device missing |3.1.4b|1
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing |3.3.A.1b|1
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp|s| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.1.A.3d|1
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play |2.5.A.3c|1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Front Brake pedal actuating linkage functionally incomplete |3.3.A.1a|1
Nearside Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle |6.2.B.1b|1
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure is cracked, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement1
Offside Front Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Offside Rear Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated |2.5.A.2|1
Offside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play |2.6.2|1
Driver`s seat cannot be secured in the upright position. |6.2.A.2|1
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Rear Braking system leaking |3.6.A.1|1
Rear Suspension has inadequate clearance with the bump stop |2.4.A.1a|1
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|1
Offside Rear Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|1
Front Steering damper leaking oil |2.2.C.1f|1
Rear brake binding1
Offside Rear An item not tested |Manual|1
Front Headlamp not working on main beam |1.7.5a|1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Windscreen wiper control missing |8.2.1a|1
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade missing |8.2.2|1
Offside Windscreen wiper blade missing |8.2.2|1
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image |1.2.4a|1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.2.C.1c|1
Nearside Steering system has a road wheel fouling a part of the vehicle |2.2.D.2a|1
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user |1.6.2b|1
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated |8.2.2|1
Nearside Rear Wheel nut|s| loose |4.2.A.1e|1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement |2.4.G.2|1
Rear Stop lamp not working |1.2.1b|1
Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|1
Nearside Front Suspension has inadequate clearance with the bump stop |2.4.A.1a|1
Offside Front Suspension has inadequate clearance with the bump stop |2.4.A.1a|1
Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush |2.7.4|1
Front Anti-roll bar linkage severely distorted |2.4.G.1|1
Nearside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecure |2.4.G.1|1
Offside Rear Anti-roll bar linkage insecure |2.4.G.1|1
Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint |2.5.B.1a|1
Offside Front Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting insecure |2.4.G.1|1
Horn not working |7.7 |a| |ii||1
Position lamp switch faulty |1.1.A.1|1
Nearside Rear Front position lamp|s| not working |1.1.A.3b|1
Shock absorber has negligible damping effect |2.7.5|1
Steering wheel retaining device insecure |2.1.6|1
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Nearside Direction indicator flashing more than 120 times a minute |1.4.A.2g|1
Offside Direction indicator flashing more than 120 times a minute |1.4.A.2g|1
Emissions not tested car does not idle |7.3.A.1|1
Emissions not tested |7.3.A.1|1
Electrical wiring insecure |1.9.2a|1
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings sill/inner arch |6.1.B.2|1
Direction indicators flashing more than 120 times a minute |1.4.A.2g|1
Offside Rear Statutory seat belt missing |5.1.1|1
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering |6.1.A.1|1
Nearside Upper Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|1
Windscreen wiper blade insecure1
Horn control insecure |1.6.1|1
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced |1.7.5a|1
rear brakes release unevenly |3.7.B.4|1
front brakes release unevenly |3.7.B.4|1
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer torn |7.2.4c|1
Nearside Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bearing |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Brake cable locking device insecure |3.5.1l|1
Offside Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|1
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel |steering box fitted| |2.2.A.1a|1
Front passenger seat insecure |6.2.3|1
Parking brake lever defective so that it cannot be satisfactorily operated |3.1.3c|1
Brake cable has wires broken and is significantly weakened |3.5.1b|1
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Steering column movement between the shaft and steering wheel |2.1.2b|1
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |2.4.G.2|1
Main beam `tell-tale` not working light coming on with dip |1.7.4c|1
Front Electrical wiring inadequately supported |1.9.2a|1
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. |6.2.A.3|1
Offside Front Vehicle structure has an unsatisfactory modification, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play |2.2.B.1f|1
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam |4.1.1 |a| |ii||1
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam |4.1.1 |a| |ii||1
Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated |5.1.3 |b| |i||1
Nearside Stop lamp excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance |1.2.1d|1
Service brake grabbing severely |3.7.C.2|1
Service brake: efficiency below requirements |3.7.C.1a|1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))1
Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))1
All direction indicators not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))1
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))1
Windscreen washer not working 1
Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded steering box mount (2.1.2 (e) (i))1
Nearside Front Integral body structure or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of a body mounting (6.2.2 (d) (i))1
Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded steering box |2.2.C.1h|1
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive |7.3.B.1a|1
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases |7.1.2|1
Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure |5.2.1a|1
Nearside Rear rear brake grabbing severely |3.7.A.5b|1
Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement |3.3.A.5|1
Nearside Rear Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced |2.4.G.1|1
Offside Rear Sub-frame attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced |2.4.G.1|1
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported |7.1.1|1
Nearside Rear Upper Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting corroded and its strength is seriously reduced |2.4.G.1|1
Nearside Front Shock absorber insecure |2.7.2b|1
Offside Front Shock absorber insecure |2.7.2b|1
Nearside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped |3.6.B.1|1
Nearside Front Side repeater not working |1.4.A.2c|1
Nearside Inner Front Body or chassis has an inadequate repair, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings |6.1.B.2|1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases Rear box |7.1.2|1
Rear Fuel pipe leaking |7.2.3|1
Nearside Front Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak |2.7.3|1
Offside Headlamp insecure |1.7.3|1
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|1
Offside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users |1.8.A.1a|1
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired |2.4.A.3|1
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired |2.4.A.3|1
Centre Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in an outer ball joint |2.5.B.2a|1
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint |2.4.G.2|1
Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective |5.2.5b|1
Offside Front Brake actuating linkage mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired |3.3.A.2|1
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded |2.4.A.3|1
Nearside Outer Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded |5.2.6|1
Bonnet cannot be secured in the closed position |8.4.1|1

We get to these numbers by trawling through over 1 billion MOT test results since 2004 and crunched the numbers. We remove anything to do with Tyres, as they are model independent and group together common non-model specific issues. We are trying to get to a picture of what models have what issues.

Please note: We take the data from the DVSA. This data is raw and can contain typos and spelling mistakes that garages may have entered while recording a MOT result. Specifically miss-match on names of models and makes. We are constantly cleaning the data so bear with the odd issue.

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