MOT History from tests of petrol VOLKSWAGEN MOTORs year 1979

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

mot history

Pass percent:51.60%

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

Based on:4,564 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	523
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	272
Registration plate lamp issues	258
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	255
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|7.3.B.1a\|	220
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	171
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	171
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	165
Registration plate issues	131
Brake pipe excessively corroded	130
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	124
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	124
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	112
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	107
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	98
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|7.3.B.1b\|	95
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	89
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	84
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	77
Windscreen washer not working	72
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	69
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	68
Rear brake binding	67
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	55
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	53
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	53
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	50
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	50
Rear brake application uneven	47
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	47
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	46
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	45
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	45
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	45
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	44
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	43
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	42
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	41
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	39
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	39
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	39
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	39
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	38
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	37
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	37
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	34
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	32
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	31
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	30
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	29
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	25
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	24
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	24
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	23
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	23
Front brake application uneven	23
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	22
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	21
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	21
Offside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	21
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	20
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	19
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	19
Brake pedal spongy \|3.3.B.1b\|	19
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	18
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	18
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\|	18
Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	18
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	18
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	18
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	18
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	18
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	17
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	17
Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	17
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	17
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	17
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	17
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	17
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	16
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	16
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	16
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	16
Nearside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	16
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	16
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	16
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	16
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	16
Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	16
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	15
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	15
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	15
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	15
Centre Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	15
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	15
Offside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	15
Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement \|3.3.A.5\|	15
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	15
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	15
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive (8.2.1.2 (b))	15
Emissions not tested \|7.0\|	14
Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	14
Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	14
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	14
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	14
Nearside Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	13
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Nearside Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	13
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	13
Windscreen wiper blade insecure	13
Offside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	13
Horn not working \|7.7 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	13
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	13
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	13
Nearside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	12
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	12
Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	12
Offside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	12
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely maintaining the sealing arrangement \|7.2.4b\|	12
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	12
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	12
Indicator tell tale inoperative \|1.4.A.2a\|	12
Nearside Front Seat belt insecurely fixed to the vehicles structure \|5.2.1a\|	11
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|ii\|\|	11
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	11
Exhaust engine idle speed too high \|7.3.A.2a\|	11
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	11
Nearside Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	11
Offside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	11
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\|	11
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	11
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users \|1.8.A.1a\|	11
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	11
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	11
Nearside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	11
Nearside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	11
Offside Front Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	11
Nearside Rear Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	10
Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	10
Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	10
Offside Rear Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	10
Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	10
Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Brake pedal anti-slip provision incomplete \|3.3.A.1b\|	10
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	10
Offside Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	10
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1a\|	10
Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	10
Exhaust emissions hydrocarbon content excessive \|8.2.1.2 \|b\|\|	10
Offside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting \|6.6.6\|	10
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	10
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	9
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	9
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	9
Fuel system component leaking \|7.2.3\|	9
Steering column flexible coupling is excessively deteriorated \|2.1.5\|	9
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	9
Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user \|1.6.2b\|	9
Offside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users \|1.8.A.1a\|	9
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	9
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	9
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	9
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	9
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	9
Nearside Rear Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	9
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	9
Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	9
Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	8
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer missing \|7.2.4c\|	8
Front passenger seat insecure \|6.2.3\|	8
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	8
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure excessively corroded within 30cm of towbar mounting \|6.6.6\|	8
Offside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.4.A.2h\|	8
Offside Front Brake actuating linkage mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.3.A.2\|	8
Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	8
Hazard warning tell tale not working correctly \|1.4.B.1e\|	8
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	8
Offside Front Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting insecure \|2.4.G.1\|	8
Nearside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc \|2.4.G.4e\|	8
Offside Rear Drive shaft which forms part of the suspension coupling gaiter damaged to the extent that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc \|2.4.G.4e\|	8
Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	8
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	8
Offside Rear Brake back plate\|s\| securing device excessively deteriorated \|3.5.1j\|	8
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))	8
Stop lamp(s) all not working (4.3.1 (a) (iii))	8
Steering wheel retaining device insecure \|2.1.6\|	7
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Centre Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	7
Horn sounds harsh or grating \|1.6.2e\|	7
Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	7
Nearside Windscreen wiper blade deteriorated \|8.2.2\|	7
Nearside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	7
Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	7
Nearside Front Anti-roll bar attachment bracket/mounting insecure \|2.4.G.1\|	7
Rear Exhaust has part of the system excessively deteriorated \|7.1.1a\|	7
Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	7
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	7
Offside Headlamp aim beam image kick up to the offside \|1.8\|	7
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	7
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	7
Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	7
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	7
Offside Rear Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	7
Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	7
Offside Obligatory mirror seriously damaged, affecting the rear view \|8.1.2a\|	7
Offside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	7
Nearside Front Service brake excessively binding (1.2.1 (f))	7

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 MOTORs year 1979

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