2012 Volkswagen Jetta petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volkswagen Jetta first registered in 2012 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 290 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 290 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2012 Volkswagen Jetta petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Volkswagen Jetta petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension42% 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.
- Tyres29% 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.
- Brakes22% 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 electrics18% 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 leaks12% 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 mirrors5% 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 Jetta 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.
- 1.2 TSI petrol (older engine)
Timing chain wear (1.2 TSI petrol)
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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volkswagen Jetta petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the timing chain been changed, and is there an invoice? Does it rattle when you start it from cold?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volkswagen Jetta?
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Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Jetta compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2018 | – | Too few tests |
| 2017 | 1,046 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 2,272 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 3,337 | Tyres 29% |
| 2014 | 2,923 | Suspension 34% |
| 2013 | 3,127 | Suspension 37% |
| 2011 | 2,697 | Suspension 43% |
| 2010 | 1,968 | Suspension 42% |
| 2009 | 3,145 | Suspension 46% |
| 2008 | 4,660 | Suspension 49% |
| 2007 | 6,177 | Suspension 50% |
| 2006 | 4,371 | Suspension 48% |
| 2005 | – | Too few tests |
| 1992 | – | Too few tests |
| 1991 | 173 | Brakes 35% |
| 1990 | 158 | Suspension 25% |
| 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 |
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 Jetta cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score