Volkswagen Common MOT Problems (2026)
Every Volkswagen model ranked by MOT fail rate, with the most common issues identified for each. Based on 5,796,880 real MOT tests.
Average Volkswagen MOT pass rate: 85%
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See the specific issues found on your car, plus health score and running cost estimates.
85%
Avg pass rate
15%
Avg fail rate
292
Models tested
Volkswagen Models with the Most MOT Problems
Highest average fail rates across all tested years
| # | Model | Fail Rate | Common Issues | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen Shuttle | 38% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues | |
| 2 | Volkswagen Motorhome | 37% | Suspension wear, Brake disc corrosion, Structural corrosion | |
| 3 | Volkswagen Transporter T30 Tdi | 33% | Brake wear, Suspension | |
| 4 | Volkswagen Multivan | 32% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues | |
| 5 | Volkswagen Lt | 30% | DPF/emissions, Injector wear, Turbo issues |
Most Reliable Volkswagen Models
Lowest average fail rates; the Volkswagen models least likely to have MOT problems
All Volkswagen Models by Fail Rate
Every Volkswagen model and year combination, sorted by fail rate (highest first)
| Model | Year | Pass Rate | Fail Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scirocco | 1993 | 52% | 48% | |
| Lt | 1993 | 57% | 43% | |
| Camper | 2004 | 56% | 40% | |
| Motor Caravan | 2009 | 61% | 39% | |
| Shuttle | 2008 | 62% | 38% | |
| Multivan | 1997 | 63% | 37% | |
| Motorhome | 1990 | 47% | 37% | |
| Caravelle | 1996 | 64% | 36% | |
| Lt | 2000 | 60% | 36% | |
| Beetle | 1997 | 64% | 36% | |
| Sharan | 1996 | 60% | 36% | |
| Sharan | 2003 | 64% | 35% | |
| Caravelle | 1994 | 63% | 35% | |
| Caddy | 2001 | 64% | 35% | |
| Lt | 2001 | 64% | 35% | |
| Lt | 1996 | 64% | 35% | |
| Multivan | 1998 | 65% | 35% | |
| Jetta | 2005 | 62% | 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% | |
| Transporter T30 Tdi | 2021 | 65% | 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% | |
| Caddy | 1998 | 67% | 32% | |
| Transporter T30 Tdi | 2020 | 67% | 32% | |
| Lt | 1995 | 63% | 32% | |
| Motor Caravan | 1990 | 68% | 32% | |
| Unclassified | 2000 | 65% | 32% | |
| Polo | 2006 | 68% | 31% | |
| Polo | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Polo | 2002 | 68% | 31% | |
| Transporter | 1996 | 67% | 31% | |
| Fox | 2008 | 68% | 31% | |
| Beetle | 2005 | 68% | 31% | |
| Beetle | 2008 | 68% | 31% | |
| Passat | 2000 | 68% | 31% | |
| Lt | 2006 | 68% | 31% | |
| Lt | 1990 | 66% | 31% | |
| Caravelle | 1992 | 68% | 31% |
Showing top 50 of 999 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 component deterioration, and tyre condition issues. Older Volkswagen diesels are more prone to exhaust and emissions failures. The Shuttle has the highest average fail rate at 38%.
Which Volkswagen model is the most reliable?
The most reliable Volkswagen model in our data is the Golf Gti with an average MOT pass rate of 100%. View all Volkswagen models for full reliability data.
What is the average MOT pass rate for Volkswagen?
The average MOT pass rate for Volkswagen is 85%, based on 5,796,880 MOT tests across 292 models. This means about 15% of Volkswagen cars fail their MOT on the first attempt.
Check a Specific Volkswagen
Enter any reg plate to see the individual MOT history, defects found, health score, and running cost estimate for that specific car.