How much does a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT cost to run?

Estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), including £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?

The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has a 88% MOT pass rate based on 2,883 tests in 2026. This ranks 2804 out of 3373 cars from 2021.

Which year VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is most reliable?

The 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has the highest MOT pass rate at 96%. The least reliable year is 1995 at 68%.

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2021)

Q: Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 88% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026, based on 2,883 tests. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.

Q: What is the average mileage for a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?

The average mileage for a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is 48,544 miles, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 2,883 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£1,737

£145/month

MOT Pass Rate

88%

Good

Road Tax

£195

Flat rate/year

Insurance

Grp 12-25

1498cc Petrol

Solid Option

88% pass rate, £1737/year to run. 6 points above average.

Buying this car? Check for finance, write-offs & theft

£4.99

Check a specific VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Enter a reg plate for full MOT history, mileage check, health score, running costs, and reliability data. Free, instant, no signup.

Petrol1498cc5 years old2,883 tests49k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1498cc)

~42 mpg

£1,137

Road Tax

Flat rate (post-2017)

£195

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,737

Per month£145/mo

Per week£33/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

🛡️

Get an insurance quote for this VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Compare quotes and find the best deal

Reliability Verdict

88% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%National avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 6 points above the national average of 82%.

At 5 years old, 88% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 2,883 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 48,544 miles.

Got a VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT you're looking at?

Enter the reg plate to check its specific MOT history, mileage, and health score.

How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 cars2804th of 3,373(top 83%)

Rank among VOLKSWAGEN models527th of 1,118(top 47%)

vs national average+6%(82% avg)

vs 2021 cars average-4%(92% avg)

vs VOLKSWAGEN average+3%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

48,544

Average miles

37,000

Expected for age

The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 48,544 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.

Looking at a specific VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?

Enter its reg plate for a free check with full MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.

Best Year to Buy?

The most reliable year is the 2023 model with a 96% MOT pass rate, while the 1995 model has the lowest at 68%. The 2021 sits between the two at 88%.

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

FORD FIESTA

2019 · 998cc Petrol

£1,400/year

91%

+3%

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

2019 · 1498cc Petrol

£1,582/year

92%

+4%

VAUXHALL CORSA

2019 · 1398cc Petrol

£1,732/year

88%

same

NISSAN QASHQAI

2020 · 1598cc Petrol

£1,582/year

93%

+5%

Check a Specific Volkswagen Passat

Enter a reg plate to get the full MOT history, health score, and mileage verification.

Upgrade to Premium (£4.99) for stolen, finance, and write-off checks.

About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a small family car with a 1498cc petrol engine. 2,883 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a reasonably common sight on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 83% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.

With an average of 48,544 miles at 5 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners cover more miles than the average driver.

2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs

The 1498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?

Total estimated annual running cost is £1,737 (£145/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 88% 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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

At 5 years old, the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost. If you're flexible on year, the 2023 model has the highest pass rate at 96%.

Common Issues to Watch For

Based on the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 2021 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Insurance	Total/yr
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT(2021)	88%	£1137	£195	Grp 12-25	£1737
FORD FIESTA(2019)	91%	£955	£190	Grp 1-8	£1400-£337
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF(2019)	92%	£1137	£190	Grp 12-25	£1582-£155
VAUXHALL CORSA(2019)	88%	£1137	£190	Grp 8-20	£1732-£5
NISSAN QASHQAI(2020)	93%	£1137	£190	Grp 12-25	£1582-£155

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.