The picture
Golf R-Line Tdi S-A: a strong MOT record by UK norms
Across 731 MOT tests, the Golf R-Line Tdi S-A returns 87.3% first-time pass — comfortably ahead of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a seriously damaged tyre. A tyre with the cords showing and windscreen damage round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 32,324, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
Top ten reasons for rejection.
- 01
A tyre seriously damaged
29 occurrences · 4.0% of tests
- 02
A tyre cords visible or damaged
19 occurrences · 2.6% of tests
- 03
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
14 occurrences · 1.9% of tests
- 04
A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage
9 occurrences · 1.2% of tests
- 05
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
8 occurrences · 1.1% of tests
- 06
a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
5 occurrences · 0.7% of tests
- 07
Wiper blade defective
4 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 08
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements
4 occurrences · 0.5% of tests
- 09
A tyre cords visible or damaged
3 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
- 10
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction
3 occurrences · 0.4% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Worst-case fix budget · top 2 failures
£120–£190
If every one of this Golf R Line Tdi S A's most-logged Major fails hit at the same MOT, that's the real-world UK garage range. Reality is usually one or two items, not all of them. Open the estimator →
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Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
Buying or keeping a Golf R Line Tdi S A?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a Golf R Line Tdi S A and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.