2012 Volkswagen Eos diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Volkswagen Eos first registered in 2012 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 845 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volkswagen Eos diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volkswagen Eos diesel than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Suspension arm2.3× usualVolkswagen Eos4.4% All 2012 cars1.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
Number plate lights: 2.7% here, against 6.7% of all 2012 cars.
Common 2012 Volkswagen Eos diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Volkswagen Eos diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Suspension31% 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.
- Brakes26% 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 electrics12% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints2% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volkswagen Eos diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the suspension arm? (Flagged at MOT 2.3× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen Eos diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volkswagen Eos?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Eos compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | – | Too few tests |
| 2015 | 572 | Tyres 30% |
| 2014 | 992 | Tyres 33% |
| 2013 | 1,331 | Tyres 35% |
| 2011 | 4,030 | Suspension 39% |
| 2010 | 5,804 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 3,782 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 7,458 | Suspension 43% |
| 2007 | 8,551 | Suspension 47% |
| 2006 | 2,972 | Suspension 49% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen Eos cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score