1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

1,114 MOT tests in 2024. 63.0% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time63.0%
Failed or needed repairs37.0%
Typical mileage at test130,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,114 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.8%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
  3. Horn: not working3.1%
  4. Rear fog lamp: not working3.0%
  5. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive2.9%
  6. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.3%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.3%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.2%
  10. Position lamp: not working2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.3%
  2. Brakes19.7%
  3. Suspension15.1%
  4. Body & chassis9.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.0%
  6. Steering6.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.7%
  8. Tyres2.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Wheel bearings: has excessive play21.3%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure7.8%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.5%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Transporter years1991 Transporter →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Volkswagen Transporter?

In 2024, 63.0% of 1990 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,114 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 Volkswagen Transporter?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; horn: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 Volkswagen Transporter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).