MOT History from tests of diesel VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs year 1998

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:48.84%

(The average a diesel VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE year 1998 passes without issue)

Based on:129 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	13
Registration plate lamp issues	10
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	9
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	6
Registration plate issues	5
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	4
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	3
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	3
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	3
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	3
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	3
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	3
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	3
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	2
Brake pipe excessively corroded	2
Rear brake binding	2
Nearside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Offside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	2
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	2
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment \|2.5.A.1c\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Windscreen damaged and affecting the drivers view of the road (3.2 (a) (ii))	1
Power steering inoperative and steering adversely affected (2.1.5 (c) (ii))	1
Power steering component leaking steeringrack (2.1.5 (a))	1
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing play so excessive that directional control is impaired (5.1.3 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))	1
Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor pan (7.1.1 (a) (i))	1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	1
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush D bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement D bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	1
Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine \|7.4.B.3b\|	1
Windscreen wiper blade missing both \|8.2.2\|	1
Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc \|2.5.C.1a\|	1
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Windscreen has damage	1
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Rear brake application uneven	1
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	1
Offside Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))	1
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	1
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Offside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	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 Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	1
Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red \|1.3.2e\|	1
Nearside Front suspension has a suspension lower ball joint securing nut loose \|2.5.B.1a\|	1
Offside Track rod end loose \|2.2.B.1d\|	1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Offside Front Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1b\|	1
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is fractured \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Offside Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	1
Offside Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	1
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Trailer electrical socket \|13 pin\| not operating the trailer lamps as intended \|1.9.4\|	1
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.6.B1\|	1
Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter split \|2.5.C.1a\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Headlamp aim not tested \|1.8.A.1c\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	1
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	1
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor to sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill \|5.2.6\|	1
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	1
Offside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment \|2.5.A.1c\|	1
Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped \|3.6.B.1\|	1
Parking brake lever, pawl mechanism pivots or their associated mountings are insecure \|3.1.4b\|	1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Nearside Rear Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Offside Front Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	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.

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

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	13
Registration plate lamp issues	10
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	9
Supplementary Restraint System warning lamp indicates a fault \|5.4.2\|	6
Registration plate issues	5
Offside Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	5
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	4
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	4
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	4
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	3
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	3
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	3
Nearside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Offside Rear coil spring incomplete \|2.4.C.1a\|	3
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	3
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	3
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	3
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	3
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	3
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	3
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	2
Brake pipe excessively corroded	2
Rear brake binding	2
Nearside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	2
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	2
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Offside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	2
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	2
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	2
Offside Side repeater missing \|1.4.A.2b\|	2
Nearside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	2
Offside Side repeater not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	2
Rear fog lamp tell tale not working \|1.3.1b\|	2
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	2
Nearside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment \|2.5.A.1c\|	2
Nearside Front Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Offside Rear Direction indicators incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
Windscreen damaged and affecting the drivers view of the road (3.2 (a) (ii))	1
Power steering inoperative and steering adversely affected (2.1.5 (c) (ii))	1
Power steering component leaking steeringrack (2.1.5 (a))	1
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing play so excessive that directional control is impaired (5.1.3 (a) (ii))	1
Nearside Rear Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))	1
Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced floor pan (7.1.1 (a) (i))	1
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	1
Rear fog lamp not working \|1.3.2b\|	1
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush D bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement D bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	1
Exhaust emits an excessive level of metered smoke for a non-turbo charged engine \|7.4.B.3b\|	1
Windscreen wiper blade missing both \|8.2.2\|	1
Offside Outer Front constant velocity joint gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc \|2.5.C.1a\|	1
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Windscreen has damage	1
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Anti-roll bar linkage pin or bush excessively worn \|5.3.4 \|a\| \|i\|\|	1
Nearside Front Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	1
Rear brake application uneven	1
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	1
Offside Rear Brake disc significantly and obviously worn (1.1.14 (a) (i))	1
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	1
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Offside Rear coil spring broken \|2.4.C.1a\|	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 Front brake disc excessively pitted \|3.5.1h\|	1
Offside Rear fog lamp emits a light other than red \|1.3.2e\|	1
Nearside Front suspension has a suspension lower ball joint securing nut loose \|2.5.B.1a\|	1
Offside Track rod end loose \|2.2.B.1d\|	1
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Offside Front Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	1
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1b\|	1
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is fractured \|5.2.6\|	1
Offside Rear Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded outer sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Offside Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	1
Offside Front Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	1
Front Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	1
Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	1
Offside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar linkage has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Trailer electrical socket \|13 pin\| not operating the trailer lamps as intended \|1.9.4\|	1
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	1
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a pin/bush \|2.4.G.2\|	1
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Front Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.6.B1\|	1
Offside Front Front constant velocity joint gaiter split \|2.5.C.1a\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Headlamp aim not tested \|1.8.A.1c\|	1
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Rear brake disc in such a condition that it is seriously weakened	1
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	1
Rear Exhaust system not adequately supported \|7.1.1\|	1
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded floor to sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded sill \|2.4.A.3\|	1
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded sill \|5.2.6\|	1
Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	1
Offside Front Macpherson strut has excessive movement at the upper attachment \|2.5.A.1c\|	1
Nearside Rear Brake pipe inadequately clipped \|3.6.B.1\|	1
Parking brake lever, pawl mechanism pivots or their associated mountings are insecure \|3.1.4b\|	1
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	1
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	1
Nearside Rear Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	1
Offside Front Side repeater incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	1
An item not tested \|Manual\|	1
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	1
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	1

MOT History from tests of diesel VOLKSWAGEN BEETLEs year 1998

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