VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (2023)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 115 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£1,587
£132/month
MOT Pass Rate
96%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 8-20
1395cc Hybrid
Great Choice
96% pass rate, £1587/year to run. 14 points above average.
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.
Annual Running Costs
~42 mpg
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.
Get an insurance quote for this VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Compare quotes and find the best deal
Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 14 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 3 years old, 96% of VOLKSWAGEN PASSATs from 2023 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 115 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 28,795 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?
Mileage Analysis
28,795
Average miles
22,200
Expected for age
The average 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT has 28,795 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-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.
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
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 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
The 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT is a small family car with a 1395cc hybrid engine. 115 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a rare model on UK roads. Among all cars from 2023, the average MOT pass rate is 95%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 28,795 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Fuel Costs
The 1395cc hybrid 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 hybrid prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year). As a hybrid, real-world fuel costs will vary significantly depending on how much electric-only driving you do.
What does it cost to own a 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,587 (£132/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 96% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
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 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
At 3 years old, this is still relatively fresh. You may find examples with remaining manufacturer warranty. Depreciation is slowing but hasn't bottomed out yet.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2023 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Hybrid Battery Health
Low riskAfter 3 years, hybrid battery capacity may have reduced. A full replacement costs £2,000-£4,000, though reconditioning is cheaper at £500-£1,500.
Inverter and Power Electronics
Low riskThe inverter converts DC to AC for the electric motor. Failures are expensive (£1,500+) but relatively rare. Listen for unusual buzzing sounds.
Regenerative Braking
Low riskBrake discs can corrode from reduced use (the electric motor handles most braking). Surface rust is normal but deep pitting needs attention.
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 2023 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(2023) | 96% | £1137 | £195 | Grp 8-20 | £1587 |
| VOLVO XC40(2021) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
| HYUNDAI IONIQ(2021) | 91% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
| MINI COOPER S(2021) | 93% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
| KIA NIRO(2021) | 92% | £1137 | £190 | Grp 12-25 | £1582-£5 |
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.
VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
2017 · 1598cc Diesel
VOLKSWAGEN POLO
2015 · 1198cc Petrol
VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN
2018 · 1968cc Diesel
VOLVO XC40
2021 · 1470cc Hybrid
HYUNDAI IONIQ
2021 · 1580cc Hybrid
MINI COOPER S
2021 · 1499cc Hybrid
Related Guides
In-depth articles relevant to the Volkswagen Passat.
Cheapest Cars to Insure in the UK: Insurance Groups 1-10
9 min read
Running CostsCheapest Cars to Tax in the UK (2026): Complete Guide
10 min read
Buying Guide15 Best First Cars for New Drivers UK 2026: Ranked by True Cost
9 min read
Buying GuideFord Fiesta Common Problems (2026): What to Check Before Buying
13 min read
ReliabilityFord Puma Problems: 7 Issues Owners Report (2026)
13 min read
Check a specific VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Enter the reg to see its MOT history, mileage check, and predicted costs.
Premium History Check
Buying a VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT? Our premium check covers:
- Stolen check (PNC)
- Outstanding finance
- Write-off history (Cat A/B/N/S)
- Previous owners count
Competitors charge £10-£20 for the same data