MOT History from tests of petrol VOLKSWAGEN TYPEs year 1971

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

mot history

Pass percent:52.73%

(The average a petrol VOLKSWAGEN TYPE year 1971 passes without issue)

Based on:3,093 MOT Tests

Most common failures	No# failures
Headlamp aim out of alignment	398
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	232
Registration plate lamp issues	181
Horn not working \|1.6.2a\|	152
Rear parking brake recording little or no effort	139
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively	135
Brakes imbalanced across an axle	118
Brake pipe excessively corroded	106
Brake hose excessively deteriorated	98
Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	78
Offside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	76
Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	76
Nearside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	74
Rear brake binding	70
Nearside Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	67
Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	67
Offside Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	67
Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	66
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.B.7\|	57
Registration plate issues	52
Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	50
Nearside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	48
Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	43
Parking brake lever has no reserve travel \|3.1.6b\|	43
Offside Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	41
Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	39
Nearside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	35
Offside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	33
Battery insecure \|1.9.1\|	33
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	33
Offside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	32
Offside Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	31
Rear brake application uneven	29
Nearside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	29
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	28
Offside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	28
Nearside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	26
Rear Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	26
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	26
Parking brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1b\|	25
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	25
Driver`s door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	25
Offside Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	24
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	24
Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel \|steering box fitted\| \|2.2.A.1a\|	23
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	22
Front brake application uneven	22
Nearside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	21
Offside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	21
Offside Front Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	20
Windscreen washer not working	20
Centre Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	20
Offside Front Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	20
Nearside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	19
Offside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	19
Nearside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	19
Nearside Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	19
Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	19
Offside front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	19
Nearside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	18
Nearside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	18
Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	18
Offside Front Direction indicator not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	17
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	17
Offside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	17
Nearside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	17
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	16
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	16
Nearside Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	15
Offside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	15
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\|	15
Indicator switch insecure \|1.4.A.1\|	15
Offside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	14
Offside Rear Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	14
Offside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	13
Nearside Front Direction indicator incorrect colour \|1.4.A.2f\|	13
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\|	13
Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	13
Offside Front Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	13
Offside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	12
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching into the swept area by more than 40mm outside zone `A` \|8.3.1e\|	12
Nearside Rear Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	12
Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	12
Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	12
Nearside Front front brake binding \|3.7.B.1\|	12
Offside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	12
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\|	12
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\|	11
Nearside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	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 Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	11
Indicator switch faulty \|1.4.A.1\|	11
Nearside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	11
Offside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	11
Hazard warning lamps inoperative \|1.4.B.1b\|	10
Offside Front Headlamp not working on dipped beam \|1.7.5a\|	10
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	10
Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))	10
Offside Front Brake master cylinder/servo mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.6.C.3\|	10
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	10
Offside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	10
Offside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users \|1.8.A.1a\|	10
Offside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	10
Service brake: efficiency below requirements \|3.7.C.1a\|	10
Nearside Stop lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.2.1f\|	10
Nearside Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	10
Offside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	10
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition on \|1.4.B.1f\|	10
Offside Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	10
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\|	9
Steering column top bearing excessively worn \|2.1.2c\|	9
Offside Rear Direction indicators not working \|1.4.A.2c\|	9
Front Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	9
Horn not loud enough to be heard by another road user \|1.6.2b\|	9
Brake hydraulic reservoir fluid level below minimum level \|3.6.G.1b\|	9
Steering box insecure \|2.2.B.1a\|	9
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\|	9
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\|	9
Offside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	9
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\|	8
Offside rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	8
Offside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	8
Nearside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	8
Offside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	8
Offside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	8
Front passenger door cannot be opened from inside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	8
Offside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	8
Rear Mechanical brake component has restricted free movement	8
Nearside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.4.A.2h\|	8
Offside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	8
Hazard warning lamps not flashing in phase, with ignition off \|1.4.B.1f\|	8
Offside Rear Shock absorber has a serious fluid leak \|2.7.3\|	8
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	8
Offside Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	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\|	7
Nearside Front Sub-frame corroded and seriously weakened \|2.4.G.1\|	7
Hazard warning switch faulty \|1.4.B.1d\|	7
Nearside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	7
Nearside Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	7
Nearside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	7
Nearside Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Steering column flexible coupling is excessively deteriorated \|2.1.5\|	7
Offside Rear Direction indicator adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.4.A.2h\|	7
Windscreen has a sticker or other obstruction encroaching by more than 10mm within zone `A` \|8.3.1b\|	7
Nearside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	7
Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	7
Offside Front Front wheel bearing rough when rotated \|2.5.A.2\|	7
Headlamp switch faulty \|1.7.1\|	7
Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	7
Nearside Front Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	7
Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))	7
Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	7
Offside Front Lower Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	7
Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	7
Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	7
Nearside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	7
Nearside Front Body has a sharp edge caused by corrosion \|6.1.C.1\|	6
Fuel cap/sealing device sealing washer deteriorated \|7.2.4c\|	6
Braking system leaking \|3.6.A.1\|	6
Parking brake efficiency below requirements \|1.4.2 \|a\| \|i\|\|	6
Nearside Exhaust has a major leak of exhaust gases \|7.1.2\|	6
Nearside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Offside Front Front suspension has excessive play in a lower suspension ball joint \|2.5.B.1a\|	6
Nearside Front Headlamp not in good working order adversely affecting beam image \|1.2.4a\|	6
Offside Front Headlamp aim beam image obviously incorrect \|1.8.A.1b\|	6
Front Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	6
Offside Rear wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.6.2\|	6
Brake pedal anti-slip provision incomplete \|3.3.A.1b\|	6
Offside Front Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	6
Offside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| excessively deteriorated so that it is not visible from a reasonable distance \|1.1.A.3d\|	6
Fuel cap/sealing device does not fasten securely by positive means \|7.2.4b\|	6
Windscreen washer control missing \|8.2.1a\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	6
Front position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	6
Steering system excessively tight \|2.2.D.1\|	6
Brake hose has insufficient room to move	6
Driver`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	6
Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Offside Front Shock absorber has an excessively worn bush \|2.7.4\|	6
Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Offside Obligatory mirror missing \|8.1.1\|	6
Intermediate drop arm insecure \|2.2.B.1a\|	6
Nearside Headlamp excessively deteriorated so that the light output is severely reduced \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	6
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\|	6
Rear Stop lamp not working \|1.2.1b\|	6
Nearside Rear Subframe mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	6
Nearside Rear rear brake recording little or no effort \|3.7.B.5a\|	6
Nearside Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings \|6.1.B.2\|	6
Front Headlamp not working on main beam \|1.7.5a\|	6
Nearside Rear Vehicle structure has excessive corrosion which adversely affects braking or steering \|6.1.A.1\|	6
Brake pedal has insufficient reserve movement \|3.3.A.5\|	5
Nearside Lower Front suspension ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Offside Front wheel bearing has excessive play \|2.5.A.3c\|	5
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| adversely affected by the operation of another lamp \|1.1.A.3f\|	5
Steering system excessively rough \|2.2.D.1\|	5
Driver`s seat fore and aft adjustment mechanism not functioning as intended. \|6.2.A.3\|	5
All position lamps not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
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\|	5
Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
Offside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
Offside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))	5
Offside Front Seat belt retracting mechanism defective \|5.2.5b\|	5
Nearside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	5
Offside Windscreen wiper not operating automatically when switched on \|8.2.1b\|	5
Nearside Front Steering component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.2.C.1h\|	5
Brake pedal anti-slip provision missing \|3.3.A.1b\|	5
Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required value (1.4.2 (a) (ii))	5
Offside Rear Brake hose bulging under pressure \|3.6.B.3\|	5
Nearside Front Upper Suspension arm has excessive play in a ball joint \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Brake performance not tested \|3.7.A.1\|	5
Nearside Front Passenger`s seat insecure \|6.2.A.1\|	5
Nearside Front Wheel bearing rough when rotated (5.1.3 (b) (i))	5
Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Centre Front Steering pivot point has excessive play \|2.2.B.1g\|	5
Offside Front Brake pipe inadequately clipped \|3.6.B.1\|	5
Offside Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.2.C.1c\|	5
Nearside Rear Rear position lamp\|s\| not working \|1.1.A.3b\|	5
Offside Front Lower Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5
Offside Front Brake actuating linkage mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|3.3.A.2\|	5
Offside Inner Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded \|2.4.A.3\|	5
Offside Rear position lamp\|s\| incorrect colour \|1.1.A.3e\|	5
Nearside Front Suspension arm ball joint dust cover excessively damaged so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt \|2.4.G.2\|	5
Nearside Headlamp aim aimed so that it dazzles other road users \|1.8.A.1a\|	5
Offside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	5
Nearside Headlamp insecure \|1.7.3\|	5
Main beam `tell-tale` not working \|1.7.4c\|	5
Nearside Rear An item not tested \|Manual\|	5
Nearside Rear Inner Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (6.1.7 (g) (ii))	5
Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle \|6.2.B.1b\|	5
Steering column top mounting bracket insecure \|2.1.2d\|	5
Rear Drag link end ball joint has excessive play \|2.2.B.1f\|	5
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\|	5
Offside Rear Seat belt anchorage prescribed area is excessively corroded \|5.2.6\|	5

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 TYPEs year 1971

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