2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 Volkswagen Passat MOT pass rate and common faults

13,853 MOT tests in 2024. 81.9% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time81.9%
Failed or needed repairs18.1%
Typical mileage at test84,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 13,853 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.6%
    546 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    332 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    240 marked dangerous
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.2%
  7. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.8%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.6%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.6%
  10. Headlamp aim: too high0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.9%
  2. Suspension5.8%
  3. Lights & electrics4.4%
  4. Brakes3.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.5%
  7. Wheels0.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.6%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened12.2%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.4%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak8.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.6%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. 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 2017 Volkswagen Passat?

In 2024, 81.9% of 2017 Volkswagen Passat cars passed their MOT first time, across 13,853 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Volkswagen Passat?

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Passat reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).