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J189 FAB

1992 Volkswagen Golf

Red Diesel 1588cc
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MOT Status

Valid
Expires9 Jul 2027
Tests29 (16 pass, 13 fail)
Pass rate55.2%

Mileage

108,682 mi
Last recorded108,682 miles
Recorded on10 Jul 2026
Typical for 1992 Volkswagen Golf113,553 mi

Below or average mileage for this year

4 checks still locked for this Volkswagen
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Finance
Write-off
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Vehicle Details

RegistrationJ189 FAB
MakeVolkswagen
ModelGolf
Year1992
ColourRed
Fuel typeDiesel
Engine1,588cc

All premium checks include

50+ data points
Finance Check (Experian) Insurance Write-off Salvage Auction Stolen Check Previous Owners Ex-Taxi, Police, NHS Mileage Anomaly Import / Export Scrapped Check Plate Changes

MOT History

16 pass 13 fail
Pass 10 Jul 2026 108,682 miles

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Fail 10 Jul 2026 108,675 miles

Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Nearside Headlamp not working on main beam (4.1.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Service brake effort inadequate at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Steering locking device missing track rod end split pin missing (2.1.3 (d))

Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))

Service brake efficiency below requirements (1.2.2 (a) (i))

Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Oil leak, but not excessive (8.4.1 (a) (i))

Pass 24 Aug 2022 107,202 miles

Nearside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Nearside Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rear wishbone bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))

Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement rear wishbone bush (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Rear Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Vehicle structure is corroded but structural rigidity is not significantly reduced (6.1.1 (c) (i))

Pass 4 Aug 2021 106,837 miles

Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing (5.2.3 (d) (ii))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

service brake only just met the minimum requirement of 50% system may require adjustment or repair

Fail 26 Jul 2021 106,834 miles

Brake load sensing valve linkage defective and function impaired spring insecure (1.1.17 (a))

Exhaust emissions test not completed because smoke levels are significantly in excess of the specified limit values (8.2.2.2 (f))

Front passenger door cannot be opened from outside the vehicle (6.2.3 (a))

Horn not working (7.7 (a) (ii))

Nearside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Rear Brake cable guide defective and affecting operation (1.1.15 (d))

Nearside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Nearside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Front Suspension component mounting prescribed area is inadequately repaired (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Headlamp aim too high (4.1.2 (a))

Offside Rear Brake cable guide defective and affecting operation (1.1.15 (d))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength inner wheel arch and inner sill (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Rear fog lamp not working (4.5.1 (a) (ii))

Suspension component mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength rear x members split both side (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Driver's seat insecure (6.2.5 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Passenger's seat insecure (6.2.6 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (6.1.2 (a))

Front Electrical wiring insecure various in engine bay (4.11 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Nearside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Nearside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))

Offside Front Coil spring corroded (5.3.1 (b) (i))

Offside Front Macpherson strut pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Rear Wheel bearing has slight play (5.1.3 (a) (i))

Rear Suspension component mounting repair covered in underseal (5.3.6 (a) (i))

front tyres wearing on inner edge

front wish bones corroded

play in rack ends

various points of heavy under seal covering repairs and structure

Pass 18 Jun 2020 105,720 miles

Hazard warning switch insecure (4.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Fail 5 Jun 2020 105,720 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect (4.1.2 (c))

Nearside Rear Leaf spring shackle pin or bush excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Direction indicator not working (4.4.1 (a) (ii))

Offside Rear Position lamp adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.2.3 (c))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Offside Rear Stop lamp(s) not working (4.3.1 (a) (ii))

Rear Registration plate lamp missing in the case of a single lamp or all lamps (4.7.1 (b) (ii))

Nearside Front Macpherson strut modified so the suspension is likely to fail other components wheel rubbing strut (5.3.3 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Nearside Rear Brake load sensing valve inoperative and ABS not fitted or inoperative (1.1.17 (c) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Rear Leaf spring shackle pin or bush likely to become detached (5.3.4 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Hazard warning switch insecure (4.4.2 (a) (i))

Nearside Front Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot severely deteriorated (6.1.7 (g) (i))

Fail 27 Apr 2020 105,658 miles

Nearside Front Headlamp aim too high and too far to the left. (4.1.2 (a))

Nearside Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill holded (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Macpherson strut top bush or bearing has excessive wear or free play (5.3.4 (a) (i))

Offside Front Seat belt anchorage prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced sill holed (7.1.1 (a) (i))

Offside Front Steering rack gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt (2.1.3 (g) (ii))

Offside Rear Inner Suspension spring mounting prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength rear quarter holed (5.3.6 (a) (i))

Parking brake efficiency below requirements (1.4.2 (a) (i))

Brake servo inoperative no servo assistance (1.1.10 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Offside Front Driver's seat insecure (6.2.5 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Pass 18 Dec 2018 101,831 miles
Fail 17 Dec 2018 101,831 miles

Front Windscreen washer not working (3.5 (a))

Nearside Front Position lamp not working (4.2.1 (a))

Rear Stop lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (4.3.3 (b))

Nearside Front Upper Macpherson strut attachment bracket/mounting likely to become detached top mount (5.3.3 (a) (ii)) DANGEROUS

Rear Brake load sensing valve stiff (1.1.17 (c) (ii))

Pass 4 Jan 2018 96,658 miles

Central Brake pipe slightly corroded n/s and o/s (3.6.B.2c)

Nearside Front Brake hose slightly deteriorated (3.6.B.4d)

Nearside Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Pass 24 Feb 2017 95,809 miles

Brake pipe slightly corroded 2X REAR (3.6.B.2c)

Leaf spring has a slightly deteriorated anchor pin rubber bush not resulting in excessive movement BOTH REAR (2.4.B.2)

Pass 20 Feb 2016 94,527 miles

Leaf spring has slight wear in a shackle pin and/or bush BOTH REAR (2.4.B.2)

REAR EXHAUST MOUNT MISSING

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Fail 19 Feb 2016 94,523 miles

Headlamp aim too low BOTH (1.8)

Offside Rear Upper Shock absorber insecure (2.7.2b)

Leaf spring has slight wear in a shackle pin and/or bush BOTH REAR (2.4.B.2)

REAR EXHAUST MOUNT MISSING

Rear Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Pass 16 Dec 2014 93,585 miles
Fail 9 Dec 2014 93,585 miles

Electrical wiring insecure (1.9.2a)

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Nearside Front Electrical wiring insecure (1.9.2a)

Nearside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Offside Rear Electrical wiring insecure (1.9.2a)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Rear fog lamp tell tale not working (1.3.1b)

Offside Rear reflector missing (1.5.1a)

Rear Electrical wiring insecure (1.9.2a)

Pass 27 Apr 2012 19,402 miles

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

Fail 26 Apr 2012 19,402 miles

Nearside Body or chassis has excessive corrosion, seriously affecting its strength within 30cm of the body mountings (6.1.B.2)

Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Front Brake pipe slightly corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Oil leak

Rear Body has slight corrosion (6.1.B.2)

Steering system has slight free play detected at steering wheel (2.2.A.1b)

Pass 9 Apr 2011 216,211 miles

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.1.2c)

diesel tank area damp

footbrake has considerable travel but has reserve

slight movement an nearside and offside rear spring eyes

various corrosion in places under rear

Fail 1 Apr 2011 216,092 miles

Nearside Front Front position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Nearside Rear Rear position lamp(s) adversely affected by the operation of another lamp (1.1.A.3f)

Nearside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Suspension component mounting prescribed area is excessively corroded (2.4.A.3)

Centre Exhaust has a minor leak of exhaust gases (7.1.2)

Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrules (3.6.B.4e)

Rear Rear wheel bearing has slight play (2.6.2)

Steering column top bearing slightly worn (2.1.2c)

diesel tank area damp

footbrake has considerable travel but has reserve

slight movement an nearside and offside rear spring eyes

various corrosion in places under rear

Pass 17 Mar 2010 208,852 miles
Pass 14 Mar 2009 205,286 miles

both front bottom arm rear bushes well worn

both front fleaxble brake hoses corroded at ends

corrosion to both rear inner sills

exhaust badly corroded but not blowing yet

osr shock cover corroded away

play in both front strut tops when jacked up

slight play in rear wheel bearings

Fail 9 Mar 2009 205,255 miles

Fuel system component leaking (7.2.3)

Hazard warning switch faulty (1.4.B.1d)

Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint has excessive play (2.2.B.1f)

Nearside Rear Registration plate lamp not working (1.1.5c)

both front bottom arm rear bushes well worn

both front fleaxble brake hoses corroded at ends

corrosion to both rear inner sills

exhaust badly corroded but not blowing yet

osr shock cover corroded away

play in both front strut tops when jacked up

slight play in rear wheel bearings

Pass 18 Mar 2008 126,023 miles

both front flexi brake hose ends corroded

both front steel brake pipes corroded

o/s/f tyre very well worn on inner edge 165/70/13

Fail 10 Mar 2008 125,933 miles

Nearside Rear wheel bearing rough when rotated (2.6.1)

Nearside Steering rack gaiter split (2.2.D.2d)

Nearside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

Offside Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (8.2.2)

both front flexi brake hose ends corroded

both front steel brake pipes corroded

o/s/f tyre very well worn on inner edge 165/70/13

o/s/r wheel bearing noisey

Pass 19 Mar 2007 123,110 miles
Fail 12 Mar 2007 123,034 miles

Nearside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Nearside Registration plate lamp shows direct white light to the rear (1.1.C.1f)

Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Front Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm (4.1.E.1)

Offside Headlamp aim too low (1.8)

Offside Rear Tyre has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure (4.1.D.1b)

Offside Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Offside Registration plate lamp shows direct white light to the rear (1.1.C.1f)

Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

front steel brake pipes corroded

front wheel rims dented

main beam tell tale inop

n/s/r tyre very badly perished

o/s/f suspension very low(sagging)

Pass 13 Mar 2006 121,551 miles
Fail 9 Mar 2006

Nearside Side repeater not working (1.4.A.2c)

Offside Rear Rear fog lamp not working (1.3.2b)

Rear Brake pipe excessively corroded (3.6.B.2c)

Brakes imbalanced requirements only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.5b)

Nearside Rear Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

Offside Rear Service brake: service brake efficiency only just met. It would appear that the braking system requires adjustment or repair. (3.7.B.7)

How Reliable is the Volkswagen Golf?

Based on 22,270,993 MOT tests across 1,787,037 vehicles.

74.9%
Pass Rate
6,735
Miles/Year
37
Year Lifespan
1,787,037
On UK Roads

Top MOT Failure Points

Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm 700,382
Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively 301,629
Stop lamp not working 260,234
position lamp(s) not working 257,206
Brake pad(s) less than 1.5 mm thick 229,092
Full Volkswagen Golf reliability report

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Not all vehicle check providers are the same. Some don't offer a data guarantee, which means if their information is wrong, you're on your own. Every CarVerify report is backed by a £30,000 finance data guarantee.

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J189 FAB is a 1992 Volkswagen Golf in Red with a 1,588cc diesel engine. This vehicle has been through 29 MOT tests with a personal pass rate of 55.2%.

Across all 1992 Volkswagen Golf models, the average MOT pass rate is 63.9% with a typical mileage of 113,553 miles. This particular vehicle has a lower pass rate than the average for its year, which may indicate maintenance issues worth investigating.

The most common reason a Volkswagen Golf fails its MOT is tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm, accounting for 700,382 recorded failures. If you're considering buying J189 FAB, it's worth having these areas checked by a mechanic before committing.

The Volkswagen Golf typically stays on UK roads for around 37 years. At 34 years old, this Volkswagen Golf is approaching the upper end of the typical lifespan for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check the history of J189 FAB?

You can check the full history of J189 FAB by running a full vehicle check. This shows you finance, stolen, write-off, MOT history, mileage records and more.

What year was J189 FAB registered?

J189 FAB is a 1992 Volkswagen Golf, first registered on 17 January 1992.

Is J189 FAB safe to buy?

The MOT history for J189 FAB shows 29 tests with a 55.2% pass rate. To check for outstanding finance, stolen markers, write-off history and mileage discrepancies, run a full vehicle check.

Does J189 FAB have outstanding finance?

Finance checks require a premium vehicle report. This checks against all major UK finance providers to see if there is any outstanding finance on J189 FAB. If you buy a car with outstanding finance, the finance company can repossess it.

No warranty or guarantee of accuracy is provided for any free data on this page. The data guarantee applies only to information obtained through the purchase of a full check.