Volkswagen Caravelle

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 32 model years from 33,753 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

75%

Total Tests

33,753

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (88%)

Years Covered

About the Volkswagen Caravelle

The Volkswagen Caravelle was MOT tested 33,753 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 32 model years (1990 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 75%. That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list diesel and petrol versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 88% from 1,343 tests. The 1994 model has the lowest at 63%. With a 25 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Caravelles pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 152,768 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 28,714 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Caravelle is 10 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volkswagen models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Volkswagen Caravelle?

vs average of all models-7% (82% avg)

vs Volkswagen brand average-10% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread25 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volkswagen Caravelle by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2021	86%	63	28,714 mi
2020	88%	355	35,274 mi
2019	88%	1,343	45,103 mi
2018	85%	1,384	54,248 mi
2017	86%	1,742	72,727 mi
2016	84%	2,082	78,636 mi
2015	80%	1,450	91,012 mi
2014	81%	1,242	85,066 mi
2013	82%	1,414	92,484 mi
2012	82%	1,670	119,975 mi
2011	81%	1,238	114,341 mi
2010	78%	1,366	121,801 mi
2009	73%	848	121,913 mi
2008	74%	1,188	147,628 mi
2007	75%	1,290	150,161 mi
2006	73%	1,224	166,290 mi
2005	73%	1,381	171,325 mi
2004	72%	972	174,011 mi
2003	70%	1,163	194,795 mi
2002	73%	1,252	197,021 mi
2001	72%	1,144	194,846 mi
2000	72%	1,054	193,142 mi
1999	69%	1,275	203,966 mi
1998	70%	1,438	189,576 mi
1997	69%	1,361	174,949 mi
1996	64%	997	192,626 mi
1995	65%	748	190,097 mi
1994	63%	443	183,071 mi
1993	67%	168	159,178 mi
1992	68%	115	175,500 mi
1991	73%	145	149,049 mi
1990	71%	198	152,768 mi

Questions about the Volkswagen Caravelle

Is the Volkswagen Caravelle reliable?

Across its 32 model years in our data (1990 to 2021), the Volkswagen Caravelle averages a 75% MOT pass rate, from 33,753 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 88%.

Which year Volkswagen Caravelle has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volkswagen Caravelle has the highest MOT pass rate at 88%, while the 1994 model has the lowest at 63%, a 25 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.