1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

385 MOT tests in 2024. 55.1% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

84Well below average
Passed first time55.1%
Failed or needed repairs44.9%
Typical mileage at test171,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 385 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.8%
  2. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.7%
  3. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced4.4%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.9%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working3.6%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.6%
  8. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.4%
  9. Horn: not working2.9%
  10. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.9%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics29.9%
  2. Brakes27.8%
  3. Body & chassis27.3%
  4. Suspension23.1%
  5. Emissions & leaks13.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.9%
  7. Steering9.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.9%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.1%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.3%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.7%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)11.2%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 55.1% of 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 385 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; washers: provides insufficient washer liquid; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1997 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 84, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).