2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol than on all cars registered in 2012.

• Link ball joint covers2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Golf

  4.1% All 2012 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 2012 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.

Common 2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  29% 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.

• Suspension
  28% 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.

• Brakes
  22% 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
  13% 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
  6% 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
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol

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.

• Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)

  1.2 TSI petrol (older engine)

  The older 1.2 TSI petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch. It starts as a rattle, especially when the engine first starts, and if it’s left the chain can fail and destroy the engine. Some garages advise changing it as often as every four years or 40,000 miles.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle in the first few seconds. Ask whether the chain has been changed, with an invoice.

  Source: Parkers: Volkswagen Polo (2009-2017) used review

• Alarm that goes off by itself

  All engines

  The alarm can be temperamental. A dealer software update usually fixes it.

  At the viewing: Lock the car and leave it a few minutes during the viewing.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

• Phone won't pair (early cars)

  All engines

  Some early Bluetooth systems don't recognise many phones, and the fix can cost around £500.

  At the viewing: Pair your own phone.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

• Creaks from the front suspension

  All engines

  Dried-out suspension bushes creak over bumps, more in warm weather.

  At the viewing: Listen over speed bumps with the window down.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk6 buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol

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

1. Has the timing chain been changed, and is there an invoice? Does it rattle when you start it from cold?
2. Has the alarm been fixed or updated?
3. Does Bluetooth work with modern phones?
4. Have the suspension bushes been replaced?
5. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen Golf petrol as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?