1997 Volkswagen Golf: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 1997 Volkswagen Golf
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Automatic gearbox
Four-speed automatic failures
The 01M four-speed automatic is prone to failure if not serviced, and a replacement is costly.
At the viewing: Check it changes smoothly with no slipping or harsh shifts.
- All engines
Window regulator failure
The plastic clips in the window regulators break so the window won't move, and the cable can snap.
At the viewing: Run every window fully up and down.
- All engines
Suspension clonks and exhaust rattle
Worn anti-roll bar and rear axle bushes cause clonks, and weak exhaust mounts snap off and rattle.
At the viewing: Listen for clonks over bumps and rattles under acceleration.
- All engines
Rust, peeling lacquer and leaks
Lacquer can peel, front wings and tailgates rust, and ageing seals and blocked sunroof drains let water in.
At the viewing: Check the wings and tailgate for rust, and lift the boot carpet for damp.
- All engines
Brake light switch and cooling fans
The brake light switch is a notorious failure. On some cars the cooling fans stop working with the air con on because of a poor fan resistor.
At the viewing: Have someone check the brake lights, and make sure the fans run with the air con on.
Looking at a Volkswagen Golf?
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 Golf compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 1,017 | Tyres 14% |
| 2022 | 26,616 | Tyres 27% |
| 2021 | 57,768 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 118,390 | Tyres 26% |
| 2019 | 158,276 | Tyres 26% |
| 2018 | 183,093 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 208,069 | Tyres 28% |
| 2016 | 194,087 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 201,242 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 191,987 | Tyres 30% |
| 2013 | 164,395 | Tyres 31% |
| 2012 | 155,439 | Suspension 39% |
| 2011 | 150,967 | Suspension 46% |
| 2010 | 134,446 | Suspension 49% |
| 2009 | 131,689 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 120,651 | Suspension 48% |
| 2007 | 120,598 | Suspension 49% |
| 2006 | 88,396 | Suspension 49% |
| 2005 | 60,414 | Suspension 49% |
| 2004 | 38,578 | Suspension 52% |
| 2003 | 49,876 | Suspension 50% |
| 2002 | 42,606 | Suspension 48% |
| 2001 | 24,107 | Suspension 48% |
| 2000 | 13,522 | Suspension 49% |
| 1999 | 8,175 | Suspension 49% |
| 1998 | 3,758 | Suspension 44% |
| 1996 | 2,765 | Brakes 39% |
| 1995 | 1,455 | Brakes 39% |
| 1994 | 838 | Brakes 37% |
| 1993 | 783 | Brakes 30% |
| 1992 | 1,687 | Lights and electrics 28% |
| 1991 | 4,953 | Brakes 26% |
| 1990 | 4,834 | Lights and electrics 28% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1977 | – | Too few tests |
| 1976 | – | Too few tests |
| 1975 | – | Too few tests |