2016 Volkswagen Jetta MOT pass rate: 77.7% (2,255 tests)
Is the 2016 Jetta getting worse?
Pass rate of 2016-registered cars across recent test years:
| Test year | Pass rate | |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 79.0% -4.2 vs same-age |
|
| 2024 | 77.7% -3.5 vs same-age |
|
| 2025 | 76.2% -3.4 vs same-age |
The raw rate normally falls as cars age. The “vs same-age” figure compares this cohort with all UK cars registered in the same year, so normal ageing is not mistaken for a bad model year.
What fails on a 2016 Jetta
| # | System | Defects recorded | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 389 | 39.2% |
| 2 | Tyres | 201 | 20.3% |
| 3 | Brakes | 183 | 18.4% |
| 4 | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 71 | 7.2% |
| 5 | Noise, emissions and leaks | 59 | 5.9% |
| 6 | Visibility | 32 | 3.2% |
All Jetta years compared
| Registration year | Tests | Pass rate | Vs same-age | Median mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 4,317 | 66.0% | +1.6 pts | 132,372 |
| 2007 | 6,097 | 66.3% | +1.2 pts | 131,946 |
| 2008 | 4,607 | 67.1% | +2.0 pts | 126,749 |
| 2009 | 3,114 | 70.2% | +3.7 pts | 111,948 |
| 2010 | 1,954 | 70.8% | +3.4 pts | 106,694 |
| 2011 | 2,684 | 70.2% | +1.0 pts | 108,516 |
| 2012 | 3,469 | 70.8% | -0.5 pts | 105,076 |
| 2013 | 3,103 | 70.4% | -3.0 pts | 90,418 |
| 2014 | 2,913 | 72.7% | -3.2 pts | 86,071 |
| 2015 | 3,321 | 75.6% | -3.2 pts | 71,403 |
| 2016 (this page) | 2,255 | 77.7% | -3.7 pts | 63,828 |
- Free MOT history checkThe exact car’s failures, advisories and mileage trail — sellers can’t edit it
- Topdon OBD2 scannersTopdon diagnostic scanners with full-system readouts
- XTOOL diagnostic toolsXTOOL code readers for petrol and diesel cars
- Autel UK testersAutel professional-grade diagnostic testers
FAQs
Is a 2016 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
2016-registered examples passed 77.7% of their MOT tests (2,255 tests, 2023–2025), -3.7 points versus all UK cars registered in the same year. At roughly 10 years old with a median 63,828 miles, condition now varies car by car — always check the individual MOT history.
What mileage is too high for a 2016 Jetta?
The median tested example shows 63,828 miles. Anything far beyond that isn't automatically bad — a motorway-mile car with consistent service records often beats a low-mileage school-run car — but price accordingly and scrutinise the mileage trail for gaps or drops.
Should I buy the petrol or diesel 2016 Jetta?
In this cohort petrols pass 81.9% of tests against 76.4% for diesels. Mileage and use can explain part of that gap, so treat it as a reason to inspect DPF and emissions history, not a fuel-type verdict.
Source: DVSA Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023–2025 extracts (96 million Class 4 initial tests; retests excluded). Only vehicles old enough for a routine first MOT are included. Age-adjusted figures compare the model-year cohort with all vehicles of the same registration year tested in the same calendar year. Contains public sector information licensed under OGL v3.0.