1999 · 25 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1999 Volkswagen Passat MOT pass rate and common faults

363 MOT tests in 2024. 57.9% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time57.9%
Failed or needed repairs42.1%
Typical mileage at test162,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 363 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn8.3%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.4%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.1%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.1%
  5. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.9%
  6. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault3.3%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.0%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.8%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    23 marked dangerous
  10. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.7%
  2. Suspension22.3%
  3. Brakes16.5%
  4. Body & chassis14.3%
  5. Emissions & leaks11.0%
  6. Steering8.3%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine24.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.6%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.6%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible16.5%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn12.7%

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: suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. 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 1999 Volkswagen Passat?

In 2024, 57.9% of 1999 Volkswagen Passat cars passed their MOT first time, across 363 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Volkswagen Passat?

The most common failure reasons were suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Passat reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).