Volkswagen Crafter Reliability and Common Problems
What the Volkswagen Crafter fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 13,195 MOT tests across 16 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: family car | Fuel: Diesel
79%
Volkswagen Crafter pass rate
85%
Volkswagen average
82%
All-model average
The Volkswagen Crafter has an average MOT pass rate of 79%, which is 6 points below the Volkswagen average and 3 points below the average across all models in our data. Newer Volkswagen Crafters pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.
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What the Volkswagen Crafter Fails Its MOT On
Of the 2,264 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Crafter that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Brakes
49%Cars and vans the same age: 22% (the Crafter fails on this more often) · Typical repair £80-£450
Lights and electrics
38%Cars and vans the same age: 38% · Typical repair £15-£200
Exhaust, emissions and leaks
19%Cars and vans the same age: 11% (the Crafter fails on this more often) · Typical repair £80-£800
Suspension
18%Cars and vans the same age: 33% (the Crafter fails on this less often) · Typical repair £150-£600
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
16%Cars and vans the same age: 15% · Typical repair £10-£350
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Parking brake efficiency below requirements (20% of failed tests, brakes)
- Engine warning lamp (diesel) on or not working (10% of failed tests, exhaust, emissions and leaks)
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded (8% of failed tests, brakes)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
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Volkswagen Crafter Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
| Year | Fuel | Engine | Pass Rate | Fail Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Diesel | 2.0L | 92% | 7% |
| 2020 | Diesel | 2.0L | 87% | 9% |
| 2019 | Diesel | 2.0L | 87% | 11% |
| 2018 | Diesel | 2.0L | 86% | 11% |
| 2017 | Diesel | 2.0L | 84% | 15% |
| 2016 | Diesel | 2.0L | 82% | 16% |
| 2015 | Diesel | 2.0L | 81% | 19% |
| 2014 | Diesel | 2.0L | 78% | 20% |
| 2013 | Diesel | 2.0L | 75% | 21% |
| 2012 | Diesel | 2.5L | 76% | 22% |
| 2011 | Diesel | 2.0L | 78% | 21% |
| 2010 | Diesel | 2.5L | 73% | 23% |
| 2009 | Diesel | 0.0L | 76% | 22% |
| 2008 | Diesel | 2.5L | 73% | 25% |
| 2007 | Diesel | 0.0L | 75% | 24% |
| 2006 | Diesel | 2.5L | 80% | 20% |
Lowest Pass Rate
2008
73% pass rate from 1,001 tests
Level with 2010
View 2008 Volkswagen Crafter detailsVolkswagen Crafter Running Costs
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Volkswagen Crafter FAQ
What are the most common Volkswagen Crafter problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Volkswagen Crafter that failed at the first attempt most often failed on brakes (49% of the 2,264 failed tests), lights and electrics (38%) and exhaust, emissions and leaks (19%). The single most common fault was "Parking brake efficiency below requirements" (20%). Across 13,195 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 79% ended in a pass.
Is the Volkswagen Crafter reliable?
The Volkswagen Crafter has an average MOT pass rate of 79%, from 13,195 MOT tests. That is 3 points below the average across all models in our data (82%), so budget for potential repairs. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Volkswagen Crafter is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2021 Volkswagen Crafter has the highest MOT pass rate: 92% of its 415 tests ended in a pass. The 2008 has the lowest at 73%. The 2010 is level on 73%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Volkswagen Crafter faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Volkswagen Crafter typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
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Other Volkswagen Models
Common problems pages for other Volkswagen models