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Volkswagen at a glance
We have MOT data guides for 3 Volkswagen models: Volkswagen Golf, Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Tiguan. Together they account for 1,996,361 licensed cars on UK roads (DfT VEH0120, 2026 Q2) and 1,770,355 initial MOT tests in 2025. The DVSA recalls data lists 220 Volkswagen recall campaigns since 1992, the most recent launched on 08/10/2026.
Volkswagen model guides
| Model | Licensed on UK roads | MOT pass rate | vs same-age average | Tests analysed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golf | 952,492 | 75.1% | +4.8 pts | 882,471 |
| Polo | 685,291 | 67.4% | -3.1 pts | 632,066 |
| Tiguan | 358,578 | 81.4% | +3.8 pts | 255,818 |
- Volkswagen Golf: 882,471 initial MOT tests in 2025 with a 75.1% pass rate, 4.8 points above the average for cars of the same age; 952,492 licensed; 43 recall campaigns match this model. Most common failure area: Suspension (9.4% of initial tests). Top failure item: Coil spring: fractured or broken (2.91%).
- Volkswagen Polo: 632,066 initial MOT tests in 2025 with a 67.4% pass rate, 3.1 points below the average for cars of the same age; 685,291 licensed; 24 recall campaigns match this model. Most common failure area: Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (12.6% of initial tests). Top failure item: Pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn (2.99%).
- Volkswagen Tiguan: 255,818 initial MOT tests in 2025 with a 81.4% pass rate, 3.8 points above the average for cars of the same age; 358,578 licensed; 30 recall campaigns match this model. Most common failure area: Suspension (7.1% of initial tests). Top failure item: Coil spring: fractured or broken (2.7%).
Recall campaigns for Volkswagen
The DVSA recalls data (downloaded 2026-10-14) lists 220 recall campaigns for all Volkswagen vehicles listed in the DVSA file, including vans, since 1992. The 10 most recent are below.
| Launch date | Model | Concern | Recall number |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08/10/2026 | TRANSPORTER T7 | Rear lid gas strut | R/2026/384 |
| 17/08/2026 | TRANSPORTER | Correct speed restriction | R/2026/320 |
| 12/03/2026 | ID BUZZ, ID.3 | Battery Check | R/2026/150 |
| 11/03/2026 | BEETLE | USA Imported vehicle Recall Driver side airbag module replacement | R/2026/104 |
| 29/12/2025 | ID BUZZ, ID.3 | Replace battery modules | R/2026/046 |
| 16/12/2025 | ID BUZZ | Bracket for air conditioning rear | R/2025/551 |
| 15/12/2025 | TOUAREG | Hybrid battery management reprogramming | R/2026/001 |
| 15/11/2025 | ID.4, ID.5, ID.7 | Exterior door handle software update | R/2025/516 |
| 03/11/2025 | TRANSPORTER T7 | Rear axle shock absorbers | R/2025/475 |
| 18/09/2025 | AMAROK | ABS control unit | R/2025/435 |
A recall may not affect every car. Check a specific vehicle on GOV.UK: Check vehicle recalls (GOV.UK).
Free official checks before you buy
- Check MOT history (GOV.UK, external)
- Vehicle enquiry: tax and MOT status (GOV.UK, external)
- Check vehicle recalls (GOV.UK, external)
More help: used car buying checklist and how to read a used car’s MOT history.
Data sources and methodology
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results (2025); DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0120) (2026 Q2); DVSA vehicle recalls data (CSV) (downloaded 2026-10-14). Analysis by Check My Vehicle. Not endorsed by DVSA, DVLA or DfT. How we calculate these figures.
Last updated 22 October 2026 · Written by Kate