MOT History from tests of petrol VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs year 1979

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

mot history

Pass percent:65.06%

(The average a petrol VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE year 1979 passes without issue)

Based on:1,657 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	140
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	65
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	60
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	58
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	47
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	42
Registration plate lamp issues	38
Registration plate issues	28
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	26
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	24
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	23
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	22
Windscreen washer not working	21
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	21
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Rear brake application uneven	16
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	15
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	15
Brake pipe excessively corroded	14
Rear brake binding	13
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Front brake application uneven	12
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	12
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	12
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	12
Nearside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	11
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	11
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	11
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	10
Brake hose damaged	10
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	10
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	9
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	9
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	9
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	9
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	9
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	8
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	8
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	8
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	7
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	7
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	7
Offside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	7
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	7
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	6
Nearside Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	6
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	6
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	6
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	6
Offside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	6
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	5
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	5
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	5
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	5
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	5
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	5
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	4
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	4
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	4
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	4
Nearside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	4
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	4
Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	4
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	4
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	4
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	4
Nearside front brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	4
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer torn \|7.2.4c\|	4
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating over a large enough area to give an adequate view \|8.2.1c\|	4
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	4
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	4
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	4
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	4
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	4
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	3
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|4.1.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	3
Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	3
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	3
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	3
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	3
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	3
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped \|3.6.B.1\|	3
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	3
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	3
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating over a large enough area to give an adequate view \|8.2.1c\|	3
Nearside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment \|2.5.A.1c\|	3
Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	3
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	3
Nearside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Headlamp excessively damaged so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	3
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	3
Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	3
Nearside Rear Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	3
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Service brake efficiency below requirements \|1.2.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	3
rear brakes release unevenly \|3.7.B.4\|	3
Front Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	3
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	3
Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement \|3.3.A.5\|	3
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer deteriorated \|7.2.4c\|	3
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	3
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	3
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	3
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	3
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	2
Fuel system component insecure \|7.2.1\|	2
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	2
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Offside Inner Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Emissions not tested \|8.2.1.2 \|d\|\|	2
Lower Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	2
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	2
Exhaust emissions - engine idle speed too high \|8.2.1.2 \|e\|\|	2
Offside Front Brake hose leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	2
Nearside Rear passenger seat cannot be secured in the upright position. \|6.2.3\|	2
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	2
Nearside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.4.A.2h\|	2
Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	2
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	2
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	2
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	2
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	2
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	2
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	2
Nearside Outer Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	2
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	2
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\|	2
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	2
Steering rack gaiter split \|2.2.D.2d\|	2
Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	2
Steering column universal joint has excessive play \|2.1.5\|	2
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.D.4\|	2
Nearside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	2
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|4.1.1 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	2
Nearside Front Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	2
Steering box has relative movement between sector shaft and the drop arm \|2.2.B.1b\|	2
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	2
Front Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	2
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	2
Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	2
Nearside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Rear Trailing arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Nearside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	2
Offside Front Passenger`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	2
Offside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment \|2.5.A.1c\|	2
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	2
Nearside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Offside Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Rear Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	2
Offside Rear Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Fuel pipe leaking \|7.2.3\|	2
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	2
Rear Fuel hose leaking \|7.2.3\|	2
Brake pedal creeps down while the pedal is held under pressure \|3.3.B.1a\|	2
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	2
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1a\|	2
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	2
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	2
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	2
Nearside Front Brake hose excessively damaged \|3.6.B.4d\|	2
Offside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.6.1\|	2
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	2
Nearside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	2
Nearside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Front Steering arm has relative movement at its fixings \|2.2.B.1h\|	2
Nearside Track rod end ball pin shank loose \|2.2.B.1c\|	2
Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	2
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	2
Steering column flexible coupling is excessively deteriorated \|2.1.5\|	2
Nearside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	2
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	2
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Offside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	2
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1b\|	2
Offside Front Suspension spring mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Front Headlamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.7.5c\|	2
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	2
Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately supported \|3.6.B.1\|	2
Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.4.A.2h\|	2
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	2
Nearside Rear Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	2
An item not tested \|Manual\|	2

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.

Got suggestions? We’re improving this section all the time. If you have any suggestions, please let us know.

MOT History from tests of petrol VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs year 1979

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