Volkswagen Transporter (2021)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 129 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,003

£167/month

MOT Pass Rate

89%

Good

Road Tax

£200

Standard rate/year

Est. Insurance

n/a

1968cc Diesel

Solid Option

89% pass rate, £2,003/year to run. 7 points above average.

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Diesel1968cc5 years old129 tests38k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

~48 mpg

£1,398

Road Tax

Car rate estimate; vans are taxed differently

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,003

Per month£167/mo

Per week£39/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), diesel at 199.52p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included. Cars registered from April 2017 pay the £200 standard rate, plus £440 a year for five years (from the second year) if they cost over £40,000 new (over £50,000 for electric cars).

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Reliability Verdict

89% MOT pass rate(Good)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in our data. It also outperforms the Volkswagen brand average of 85%.

89% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Transporters from 2021 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 3 years old. That's based on 129 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 38,291 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 2021 models2715th of 3,336(bottom 19%)

Rank among Volkswagen models503rd of 1,086(top half)

vs average of all models+7%(82% avg)

vs 2021 models average-3%(92% avg)

vs Volkswagen average+4%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

38,291

Average miles

22,200

Expected for age

The average 2021 Volkswagen Transporter had 38,291 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, 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.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 89%, while the 1996 model has the lowest at 67%. The 2021 scores 89%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

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

Similar Cars to Consider

Ford Transit Custom

2019 · 2000cc Diesel

£2,003/year

87%

-2%

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About the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter

The 2021 Volkswagen Transporter is a van. Our records list a 1968cc diesel engine, though engines vary between versions. 129 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a rare model on UK roads. It sits in the bottom 19% of 2021 models for MOT pass rate.

With an average of 38,291 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, 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 £1,398 per year with diesel at 199.52p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 5 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year). Diesel cars of this age should have their DPF (diesel particulate filter) checked, as replacements can be costly.

What does it cost to own a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,003 (£167/month), broken down as £1,398 fuel, £200 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 pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 11 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Buying a Used 2021 Volkswagen Transporter

At 5 years old, the Volkswagen Transporter 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 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 89%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)

Watch out

Short journeys clog the DPF. Replacement costs £1,000-£2,500. Check the DPF warning light and ask about driving patterns.

Turbo Wear

Medium risk

Diesel turbos work harder and wear faster. Listen for whining noises and check for oil leaks around the turbo housing.

AdBlue System

Medium risk

Post-2015 diesels use AdBlue for emissions. Sensor failures and tank heater issues are common. Budget £200-£500 for repairs.

EGR Valve

Low risk

Exhaust Gas Recirculation valves clog with carbon deposits, causing rough running and poor economy. Cleaning costs £150-£300, replacement £300-£600.

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 Transporter stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Volkswagen Transporter(2021)	89%	£1,398	£200	n/a	£2,003
Ford Transit Custom(2019)	87%	£1,398	£200	n/a	£2,003same

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 5 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter reliable?

Good reliability. Occasional issues but generally solid. 89% of MOT tests on 2021 Volkswagen Transporters ended in a pass, from 129 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 7 points above the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,003 a year (£167 a month): £1,398 fuel, £200 road tax, £55 MOT and £350 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter?

89% of 129 MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 2715th of 3,336 models first registered in 2021 (bottom 19%).

Which year Volkswagen Transporter has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Volkswagen Transporter has the highest MOT pass rate at 89% and the 1996 the lowest at 67%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter is 38,291 miles, 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.