Used car guide

2024 Volkswagen Golf: known problems and what to check

Cars registered in 2024 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2024 Volkswagen Golf, and what to check before you buy one.

31,494on the UK register at the end of 2025
2027first MOT due
Petrolmost common fuel (also diesel)
2known faults listed below

Known faults on the 2024 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.

  • Software glitches

    All engines

    The most common complaint: engine cut-outs, false safety warnings, phone pairing and keyless entry problems. Big updates need a dealer.

    At the viewing: Drive it long enough for the screens and driver aids to settle, and check for warnings.

    Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk8 buyer's guide

  • eHybrid fuel use

    eHybrid plug-in

    If the plug-in hybrid isn't charged often, real economy is about 50mpg, far below the official figure.

    At the viewing: Ask how it was charged and check the charging cable is there.

    Source: Auto Express: used VW Golf Mk8 buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2024 Volkswagen Golf

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

  1. Has the software been updated at a dealer?
  2. How often was it charged?
  3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

What to check on a 2024 car

  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Looking at a Volkswagen Golf?

Check the actual car: tax, ULEZ, fuel costs and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Golf compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
20231,017Tyres 14%
202226,616Tyres 27%
202157,768Tyres 27%
2020118,390Tyres 26%
2019158,276Tyres 26%
2018183,093Tyres 28%
2017208,069Tyres 28%
2016194,087Tyres 28%
2015201,242Tyres 29%
2014191,987Tyres 30%
2013164,395Tyres 31%
2012155,439Suspension 39%
2011150,967Suspension 46%
2010134,446Suspension 49%
2009131,689Suspension 47%
2008120,651Suspension 48%
2007120,598Suspension 49%
200688,396Suspension 49%
200560,414Suspension 49%
200438,578Suspension 52%
200349,876Suspension 50%
200242,606Suspension 48%
200124,107Suspension 48%
200013,522Suspension 49%
19998,175Suspension 49%
19983,758Suspension 44%
19972,891Suspension 37%
19962,765Brakes 39%
19951,455Brakes 39%
1994838Brakes 37%
1993783Brakes 30%
19921,687Lights and electrics 28%
19914,953Brakes 26%
19904,834Lights 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

Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score