2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol than on all cars registered in 2010.

• Suspension arm3.6× usual
  Volkswagen Eos

  11.6% All 2010 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.4% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Shock absorbers1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Eos

  13.9% All 2010 cars

  7.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.6%, against 2% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Ball joint dust cover2.7× usual
  Volkswagen Eos

  9.5% All 2010 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Link ball joint covers3.1× usual
  Volkswagen Eos

  8% All 2010 cars

  2.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.1%, against 1.5% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Anti-lock braking system3.4× usual
  Volkswagen Eos

  2.7% All 2010 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.8% of all 2010 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Tyres
  36% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  26% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Lights and electrics
  24% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  9% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  7% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 3.6× as often on the 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint dust cover? (Flagged at MOT 2.7× as often on the 2010 Volkswagen Eos petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?