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Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 3 model years from 773 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

92%

Total Tests

773

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (92%)

Years Covered

3

About the Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI

The Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI was MOT tested 773 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 3 model years (2019 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 92%. That's comfortably above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 92% from 452 tests. The 2021 model has the lowest at 90%. With just a 2 point gap, pass rates are similar across these years. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2019) averages 80,667 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 51,219 miles.

Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Passat Sel TDI performs 7 points better, making it one of the more reliable options in the Volkswagen range.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)
£1,397
Road Tax
£200
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs
£200
Total per year£1,852
Per month£154/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI?

vs average of all models+10% (82% avg)
vs Volkswagen brand average+7% (85% avg)
Best to worst year spread2 percentage points

Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI by Year

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

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
202190%24351,219 mi
202092%45255,862 mi
201994%7880,667 mi

Questions about the Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI

Is the Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI reliable?

Across its 3 model years in our data (2019 to 2021), the Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI averages a 92% MOT pass rate, from 773 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 10 points above 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 92%.

Which year Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI has the highest MOT pass rate at 92%, while the 2021 model has the lowest at 90%, a 2 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Volkswagen Passat Sel TDI Guides & Articles

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