2020 · 4 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2020 Volkswagen Passat MOT pass rate and common faults

5,982 MOT tests in 2024. 88.7% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time88.7%
Failed or needed repairs11.3%
Typical mileage at test47,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 5,982 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    148 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    128 marked dangerous
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.3%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    59 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too high0.6%
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    45 marked dangerous
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.5%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.5%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.6%
  2. Brakes2.1%
  3. Lights & electrics1.6%
  4. Suspension1.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.5%
  8. Wheels0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.0%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.8%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak6.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.1%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2020 Volkswagen Passat?

In 2024, 88.7% of 2020 Volkswagen Passat cars passed their MOT first time, across 5,982 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Volkswagen Passat?

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

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Passat reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).