Volkswagen Golf vs BMW 3 Series: MOT reliability compared
Updated 05 September 2026.
24.7%
Volkswagen Golf MOT failure rate, 0.2 pts lower than BMW 3 Series
Volkswagen Golf is the more reliable MOT performer: 24.7% of Volkswagen Golf MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 0.2 point gap.
| Metric | Volkswagen Golf | BMW 3 Series |
|---|---|---|
| MOT failure rate | 24.7% | 24.9% |
| Tests analysed | 23,023,127 | 12,881,046 |
| Most common failure | Lamps & electrical (28.7%) | Suspension (32.4%) |
Questions and answers
Which is more reliable, Volkswagen Golf or BMW 3 Series?
Volkswagen Golf is the more reliable MOT performer: 24.7% of Volkswagen Golf MOTs fail versus 24.9% for BMW 3 Series, a 0.2 point gap.
What is the MOT failure rate of the Volkswagen Golf?
24.7% of Volkswagen Golf MOT tests result in a failure, from 23,023,127 tests.
What is the MOT failure rate of the BMW 3 Series?
24.9% of BMW 3 Series MOT tests result in a failure, from 12,881,046 tests.