2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 Volkswagen Passat MOT pass rate and common faults

10,681 MOT tests in 2024. 85.5% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time85.5%
Failed or needed repairs14.5%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 10,681 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.2%
    366 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    213 marked dangerous
  5. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    173 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    75 marked dangerous
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.4%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.4%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.3%
  2. Brakes2.7%
  3. Lights & electrics2.5%
  4. Suspension2.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.5%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.3%
  8. Body & chassis0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.7%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.8%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak5.7%

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: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. 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 2018 Volkswagen Passat?

In 2024, 85.5% of 2018 Volkswagen Passat cars passed their MOT first time, across 10,681 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Volkswagen Passat?

The most common failure reasons were tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).