Volkswagen Common MOT Problems (2026)
Volkswagen models ranked by MOT fail rate, with typical issues to check for cars of each age and type. Based on 5,792,908 MOT tests (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Average Volkswagen MOT pass rate: 85%
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85%
Avg pass rate
15%
Avg fail rate
291
Models tested
Volkswagen Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021)
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Typical Issues (estimate) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen Fox | 29% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Exhaust deterioration | |
| 2 | Volkswagen Beetle | 26% | Suspension wear, Structural corrosion, Lighting defects | |
| 3 | Volkswagen Lupo | 25% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Suspension wear | |
| 4 | Volkswagen Bora | 25% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 5 | Volkswagen Caravelle | 23% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion |
Most Reliable Volkswagen Models
Lowest average fail rates (models with 1,000+ tests, cars registered up to 2021). Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger.
All Volkswagen Models by Fail Rate
Every Volkswagen model and year with 300+ MOT tests (cars registered up to 2021), sorted by fail rate (highest first). Fuel type is shown as a guide.
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caravelle | 1996 | 64% | 36% | |
| Sharan | 2003 | 64% | 35% | |
| Caravelle | 1994 | 63% | 35% | |
| Sharan | 2006 | 64% | 34% | |
| Caravelle | 1995 | 65% | 34% | |
| Beetle | 2007 | 67% | 33% | |
| Beetle | 2003 | 65% | 33% | |
| Beetle | 2000 | 66% | 33% | |
| Sharan | 2007 | 65% | 33% | |
| Bora | 1999 | 66% | 33% | |
| Polo | 2004 | 67% | 32% | |
| Polo | 2003 | 67% | 32% | |
| Beetle | 2004 | 67% | 32% | |
| Beetle | 2006 | 67% | 32% | |
| Beetle | 2002 | 67% | 32% | |
| Beetle | 2001 | 66% | 32% | |
| Sharan | 2005 | 64% | 32% | |
| Sharan | 2004 | 66% | 32% | |
| Polo | 2006 | 68% | 31% | |
| Polo | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Polo | 2002 | 68% | 31% | |
| Fox | 2008 | 68% | 31% | |
| Beetle | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Beetle | 2008 | 68% | 31% | |
| Passat | 2000 | 68% | 31% | |
| Golf | 2004 | 69% | 30% | |
| Fox | 2007 | 69% | 30% | |
| Caravelle | 1998 | 70% | 30% | |
| Sharan | 2008 | 68% | 30% | |
| Bora | 2006 | 69% | 30% | |
| Sharan | 2002 | 69% | 30% | |
| Polo | 2008 | 70% | 29% | |
| Polo | 2007 | 70% | 29% | |
| Fox | 2010 | 71% | 29% | |
| Fox | 2009 | 70% | 29% | |
| Touran | 2006 | 70% | 29% | |
| Touran | 2005 | 70% | 29% | |
| Touran | 2004 | 70% | 29% | |
| Caravelle | 1997 | 69% | 29% | |
| Caravelle | 1999 | 69% | 29% | |
| Caravelle | 2003 | 70% | 29% | |
| Sharan | 2009 | 69% | 29% | |
| Polo | 1993 | 69% | 29% | |
| Caddy | 2003 | 70% | 29% | |
| Polo | 2009 | 71% | 28% | |
| Golf | 1999 | 71% | 28% | |
| Polo | 2001 | 71% | 28% | |
| Fox | 2006 | 71% | 28% | |
| Polo | 2000 | 71% | 28% | |
| Polo | 1998 | 71% | 28% |
Showing top 50 of 533 model/year combinations. View all Volkswagen models
Volkswagen MOT FAQ
What are the most common MOT problems on Volkswagen cars?
The most common MOT problems on Volkswagen cars vary by model and age, but typically include lighting defects, suspension wear, brake wear and tyre condition, which are the most common reasons for failure across all makes in DVSA's published MOT statistics. Older Volkswagen diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. Of the Volkswagen models with at least 1,000 tests, the Volkswagen Fox has the highest average fail rate at 29%.
Which Volkswagen model is the most reliable?
In our data, the Volkswagen T-Roc SE TSI Evo has the best MOT record of the Volkswagen models with at least 1,000 tests: 96% of its 1,384 MOT tests ended in a pass and 3% in a fail. Newer models tend to pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare models of a similar age.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Volkswagen?
The average MOT pass rate for Volkswagen is 85%, based on 5,792,908 MOT tests across 291 models (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That means roughly 15% of MOT tests on Volkswagen cars ended in a fail.
Volkswagen Model Problem Guides
Typical issues to check, rough repair costs and year-by-year MOT pass rates for each Volkswagen model
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