2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

562 MOT tests in 2024. 55.0% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time55.0%
Failed or needed repairs45.0%
Typical mileage at test187,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 562 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.5%
  2. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements4.1%
  3. Horn: not working3.7%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.7%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.7%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.7%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.7%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.6%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics31.3%
  2. Brakes29.0%
  3. Suspension23.5%
  4. Body & chassis13.7%
  5. Steering10.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.5%
  7. Tyres7.8%
  8. Emissions & leaks5.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.6%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)12.5%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. 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 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 55.0% of 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 562 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; horn: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).