2006 Volkswagen Beetle MOT pass rate and common faults

MOT tests in 2025, published 22 Jun 2026. DVSA publishes a new year each summer.

2,492 Volkswagen Beetle cars first used in 2006 had an MOT in 2025, at about 19 years old, and 48.8% passed first time. That is below the 57.0% for all cars first used in 2006.

The year is when the car was first used, as on its V5C log book, not the model year.

Common failures

The share of 2006 Volkswagen Beetle cars tested that failed on, or had fixed at the station, each item. Worth checking before the MOT or before you buy.

Most common 2006 Volkswagen Beetle MOT failure items
2006 Volkswagen Beetle common failures
ItemValue
Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.1%
Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction7.8%
Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.8%
Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively5.1%
Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.9%
Headlamp: not working on dipped beam4.5%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Common advisories

Things the tester noticed that were not bad enough to fail. They often turn into failures later. What advisories mean for the next MOT.

Most common 2006 Volkswagen Beetle advisories
2006 Volkswagen Beetle common advisories
ItemValue
Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge19.5%
Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened16.2%
Pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement14.0%
Coil spring: corroded13.3%
Condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing13.3%
Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive12.9%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Where the faults are

The share of cars tested with at least one failure or fix in each part of the car.

2006 Volkswagen Beetle faults by area
2006 Volkswagen Beetle faults by area
ItemValue
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment24.9%
Suspension20.7%
Noise, emissions and leaks14.6%
Brakes11.5%
Body, chassis, structure11.5%
Steering9.8%

Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Typical mileage

Recorded mileage at the MOT. A car well above this range has done more work than most; one far below is worth a closer look at its MOT history.

2006 Volkswagen Beetle recorded mileage
2006 Volkswagen Beetle mileage
CarsLowTypicalHigh
2,48679,10099,400 miles118,300

The middle half of cars fall between the low and high figures. Source: DVSA, tests in 2025, published 22 June 2026.

Other Volkswagen Beetle years

Volkswagen Beetle first-time pass rate by year first used
YearTestsPassed first timeAll cars that year
20171,51472.2%78.2%
20162,29071.1%74.9%
20153,25868.0%71.9%
20143,59566.3%68.6%
20134,44265.6%65.8%
20122,27965.4%63.5%
20102,02153.6%59.3%
20091,67453.0%58.3%
20082,11149.0%57.2%
20072,52547.2%57.4%
20062,49248.8%57.0%
20052,48952.1%57.6%

Checking one car?

These figures describe groups of cars. A vehicle history report shows the full MOT history, mileage, outstanding finance, write-offs and stolen records for one registration.

Figures from the DVSA anonymised MOT testing data for MOT tests in 2025, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Analysis by Motoring Insider. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. How we work out these figures.