Volkswagen Passat

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 34 model years from 328,782 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

79%

Total Tests

328,782

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (91%)

Years Covered

About the Volkswagen Passat

The Volkswagen Passat was MOT tested 328,782 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 34 model years (1990 to 2023), with an average pass rate of 79%. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel and hybrid versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 3,693 tests. The 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. With a 23 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 Passats pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 10 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 146,491 miles, while the newest (2023) averages 28,795 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Passat is 6 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volkswagen models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Hybrid, 1395cc)

£1,401

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,856

Per month£155/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2023 details

How reliable is the Volkswagen Passat?

vs average of all models-3% (82% avg)

vs Volkswagen brand average-6% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread23 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volkswagen Passat by Year

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

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	96%	115	28,795 mi
2022	95%	112	32,575 mi
2021	88%	2,883	48,544 mi
2020	91%	3,693	51,051 mi
2019	90%	10,401	64,414 mi
2018	89%	17,765	78,744 mi
2017	87%	23,604	91,978 mi
2016	86%	25,422	104,333 mi
2015	85%	26,110	113,668 mi
2014	81%	26,568	119,255 mi
2013	79%	22,147	127,390 mi
2012	78%	25,128	136,337 mi
2011	77%	30,407	143,692 mi
2010	76%	21,533	142,381 mi
2009	77%	21,442	142,464 mi
2008	75%	17,841	148,772 mi
2007	74%	15,448	152,684 mi
2006	72%	10,368	152,502 mi
2005	74%	7,453	156,295 mi
2004	73%	6,247	161,943 mi
2003	72%	5,106	162,240 mi
2002	72%	3,237	159,288 mi
2001	72%	1,897	161,435 mi
2000	68%	891	164,572 mi
1999	71%	1,147	167,995 mi
1998	71%	946	154,291 mi
1997	77%	256	150,194 mi
1996	84%	142	140,487 mi
1995	68%	107	149,628 mi
1994	73%	86	126,099 mi
1993	85%	94	188,041 mi
1992	76%	83	145,928 mi
1991	73%	49	149,661 mi
1990	81%	54	146,491 mi

Questions about the Volkswagen Passat

Is the Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Across its 34 model years in our data (1990 to 2023), the Volkswagen Passat averages a 79% MOT pass rate, from 328,782 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year Volkswagen Passat has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%, a 23 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.