Volkswagen Passat (2015)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 26,110 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,077

£173/month

MOT Pass Rate

85%

Good

Road Tax

£275

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 18-32

2000cc Diesel

Solid Option

85% pass rate, £2,077/year to run. Close to the average across all models.

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Diesel2000cc11 years old26,110 tests114k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 2000cc)

~48 mpg

£1,397

Road Tax

Estimated CO2 band

£275

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,077

Per month£173/mo

Per week£40/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.33p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

85% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's close to the average of 82% across all models in our data.

85% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Passats from 2015 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 9 years old. That's based on 26,110 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 113,668 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2015 models274th of 515(bottom half)

Rank among Volkswagen models621st of 1,086(bottom half)

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

vs 2015 models average+2%(83% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+0%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

113,668

Average miles

66,600

Expected for age

The average 2015 Volkswagen Passat had 113,668 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is well above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2015 scores 85%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Volkswagen Golf

2017 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,674/year

91%

+6%

Vauxhall Astra

2013 · 1700cc Diesel

£2,227/year

79%

-6%

Audi A3

2015 · 1598cc Diesel

£1,794/year

88%

+3%

BMW 3 Series

2013 · 1995cc Diesel

£2,077/year

85%

same

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About the 2015 Volkswagen Passat

The 2015 Volkswagen Passat is a family car. Our records list a 2000cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 26,110 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested models on UK roads. Among all models from 2015, the average MOT pass rate is 83%, and this model beats that benchmark.

With an average of 113,668 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Volkswagen Passat owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.

2015 Volkswagen Passat Fuel Costs

The 2000cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,397 per year with diesel at 199.33p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; 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 2015 Volkswagen Passat?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,077 (£173/month), broken down as £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 85% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Volkswagen Passat 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.

Buying a Used 2015 Volkswagen Passat

At 11 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91%. With 26,110 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Watch out

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Watch out

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

Dual Mass Flywheel

Watch out

Larger diesel engines put extra strain on the dual mass flywheel. Listen for rattling at idle. Replacement with clutch is £800-£1,500.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Watch out

With an average of 114k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always 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 2015 Volkswagen Passat stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Passat(2015)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077
Volkswagen Golf(2017)	91%	£1,219	£200	Grp 12-25	£1,674-£403
Vauxhall Astra(2013)	79%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,227+£150
Audi A3(2015)	88%	£1,219	£170	Grp 12-25	£1,794-£283
BMW 3 Series(2013)	85%	£1,397	£275	Grp 18-32	£2,077same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2015 Volkswagen Passat

Is the 2015 Volkswagen Passat reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 85% of MOT tests on 2015 Volkswagen Passats ended in a pass, from 26,110 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 3 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2015 Volkswagen Passat cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,077 a year (£173 a month): £1,397 fuel, £275 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2015 Volkswagen Passat?

85% of 26,110 MOT tests on the 2015 Volkswagen Passat ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 274th of 515 models first registered in 2015 (bottom half).

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% and the 1995 the lowest at 68%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2015 Volkswagen Passat?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2015 Volkswagen Passat is 113,668 miles, which is well above the expected 66,600 miles for a 9-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.