VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2010)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 21,533 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Total Tests (2024)
21,533
Avg Mileage
142,381 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,727
Is the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT reliable?
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 14 years old, 76% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2010 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 21,533 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 142,381 miles.
How does the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 142,381 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 103,600 miles for a 14-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2010 sits between the two at 76%.
How much does a 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT by Year
| 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 |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a family car with a 1798cc diesel engine. 21,533 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2010, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 142,381 miles at 14 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1798cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.
What does it cost to own a 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,727 (£144/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 76% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
At 14 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%. With 21,533 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FIESTA (2012) 75% pass rate (-1%) from 185,847 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (2012) 80% pass rate (+4%) from 98,183 tests
- VAUXHALL ASTRA (2010) 74% pass rate (-2%) from 92,611 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2010) 74% pass rate (-2%) from 75,715 tests