VOLKSWAGEN ID3 (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 31 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£950
£79/month
MOT Pass Rate
97%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 1-8
0cc Electric
Great Choice
97% pass rate, £950/year to run. 15 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 15 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 5 years old, 97% of VOLKSWAGEN ID3s from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 31 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 16,765 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
16,765
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 has 16,765 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.
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About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 is a electric with a 0cc electric engine. 31 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. It ranks in the top 14% of all 2021 cars for reliability.
With an average of 16,765 miles at 5 years old, VOLKSWAGEN ID3 owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.
What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3?
Total estimated annual running cost is £950 (£79/month), broken down as £500 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 97% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3
At 5 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN ID3 offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. Note: with only 31 tests in our data, these figures should be treated as indicative rather than definitive.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Battery Degradation
Medium riskAfter 5 years, expect some battery capacity loss. Check the battery health report for state of health (SoH). Below 80% significantly reduces range.
Charging Port
Medium riskCharging connectors and ports can develop issues from regular use. Check both AC and DC charging work correctly before purchasing.
Software Updates
Medium riskOlder EVs may miss out on manufacturer software updates that improve range and features. Check the infotainment system is up to date.
12V Auxiliary Battery
Medium riskEVs still have a standard 12V battery for accessories. These drain faster than in petrol cars and can leave you stranded if flat. Replacement is £100-£200.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN ID3 stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VOLKSWAGEN ID3(2021) | 97% | £500 | £195 | Grp 1-8 | £950 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 LONG RANGE AWD(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
| JAGUAR I-PACE(2020) | 96% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £945-£5 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE +(2021) | 88% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
| TESLA MODEL 3 PERFORMANCE AWD(2020) | 87% | £500 | £190 | Grp 1-8 | £1095+£145 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Volkswagen Models
Explore other Volkswagen cars or similar models in the same category.
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VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
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JAGUAR I-PACE
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TESLA MODEL 3 STANDARD RANGE +
2021 · 0cc Electric
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