Volkswagen Phaeton
Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 11 model years from 1,776 MOT tests in 2024.
Avg Pass Rate
85%
Total Tests
1,776
Highest Pass Rate
2012 (90%)
Years Covered
11
About the Volkswagen Phaeton
The Volkswagen Phaeton was MOT tested 1,776 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 11 model years (2004 to 2014), with an average pass rate of 85%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.
Best and Worst Years
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 model has the highest pass rate at 90% from 281 tests. The 2006 model has the lowest at 81%. The 9 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.
Reliability Trend
The Volkswagen Phaeton has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (2004) averages 119,058 miles, while the newest (2014) averages 101,099 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Estimated Running Costs
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 2014 detailsHow reliable is the Volkswagen Phaeton?
Volkswagen Phaeton by Year
Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.
Questions about the Volkswagen Phaeton
Is the Volkswagen Phaeton reliable?
Across its 11 model years in our data (2004 to 2014), the Volkswagen Phaeton averages an 85% MOT pass rate, from 1,776 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. The 2012 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 90%.
Which year Volkswagen Phaeton has the best MOT pass rate?
Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2006 model has the lowest at 81%, a 9 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.
Are newer Volkswagen Phaetons more reliable?
The Volkswagen Phaeton has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.
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