1998 · 26 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1998 Volkswagen Lt MOT pass rate and common faults

127 MOT tests in 2024. 58.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time58.3%
Failed or needed repairs41.7%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 127 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements11.8%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements8.7%
  3. Position lamp: not working7.9%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  5. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.9%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working3.9%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.1%
  8. Horn: not working3.1%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.3%
  2. Brakes33.9%
  3. Suspension15.0%
  4. Body & chassis9.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  6. Steering4.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  8. Tyres3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine27.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.8%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn15.0%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.4%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)8.7%

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: service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Lt years1999 Lt →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volkswagen Lt?

In 2024, 58.3% of 1998 Volkswagen Lt cars passed their MOT first time, across 127 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Volkswagen Lt?

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

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Lt reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).