VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER (2021)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 129 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
89%
Total Tests (2024)
129
Avg Mileage
38,291 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,632
Is the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER reliable?
Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the VOLKSWAGEN brand average of 85%.
At 3 years old, 89% of VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 129 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 38,291 miles.
How does the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER has 38,291 miles on the clock, which is well above the expected 22,200 miles for a 3-year-old car. Check service history carefully, as high-mileage cars need consistent maintenance to stay reliable.
Best year to buy a VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER?
The most reliable year is the 2020 model with a 89% MOT pass rate, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2021 sits between the two at 89%.
How much does a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 89% | 129 | 38,291 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 1,311 | 43,632 mi |
| 2019 | 88% | 25,915 | 55,696 mi |
| 2018 | 86% | 37,535 | 66,926 mi |
| 2017 | 85% | 38,467 | 76,077 mi |
| 2016 | 84% | 37,805 | 87,209 mi |
| 2015 | 82% | 34,503 | 95,309 mi |
| 2014 | 81% | 30,466 | 105,350 mi |
| 2013 | 82% | 27,985 | 115,923 mi |
| 2012 | 80% | 24,759 | 125,395 mi |
| 2011 | 79% | 23,700 | 133,523 mi |
| 2010 | 77% | 21,463 | 140,851 mi |
| 2009 | 76% | 17,431 | 142,178 mi |
| 2008 | 75% | 25,818 | 153,577 mi |
| 2007 | 75% | 27,476 | 161,773 mi |
| 2006 | 73% | 23,355 | 167,933 mi |
| 2005 | 72% | 20,813 | 174,693 mi |
| 2004 | 73% | 19,211 | 180,024 mi |
| 2003 | 71% | 13,745 | 173,749 mi |
| 2002 | 69% | 12,401 | 177,596 mi |
| 2001 | 70% | 12,405 | 176,472 mi |
| 2000 | 70% | 9,140 | 176,792 mi |
| 1999 | 70% | 12,854 | 176,887 mi |
| 1998 | 69% | 12,811 | 173,402 mi |
| 1997 | 69% | 10,120 | 163,637 mi |
| 1996 | 67% | 8,643 | 173,387 mi |
| 1995 | 69% | 5,077 | 166,204 mi |
| 1994 | 69% | 3,632 | 147,650 mi |
| 1993 | 69% | 2,096 | 137,070 mi |
| 1992 | 70% | 2,260 | 140,629 mi |
| 1991 | 74% | 2,007 | 143,826 mi |
| 1990 | 73% | 3,481 | 131,256 mi |
Checking a specific VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
The 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER is a family car with a 1968cc diesel engine. 129 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 81% of 2021 cars for MOT pass rates.
With an average of 38,291 miles at 3 years old, VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER owners cover more miles than the average driver. High-mileage examples should be checked carefully for wear on suspension, brakes, and drivetrain components.
2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Fuel Costs
The 1968cc diesel engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 48 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,037 per year at current diesel prices of 148p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,632 (£136/month), broken down as £1037 fuel, £190 road tax, £55 MOT, and £350 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 89% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.
VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTERs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 11 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
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. If you're flexible on year, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.
Alternatives to the 2021 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER
If reliability is your priority, there's one similar car with a higher MOT pass rate. Here are comparable diesel cars with similar engines:
- FORD FOCUS (2019) 89% pass rate (same) from 93,803 tests
- FORD KUGA (2019) 91% pass rate (+2%) from 72,831 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2019) 89% pass rate (same) from 65,751 tests
- FORD TRANSIT CUSTOM (2019) 87% pass rate (-2%) from 59,814 tests