1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

762 MOT tests in 2024. 64.7% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time64.7%
Failed or needed repairs35.3%
Typical mileage at test138,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 762 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.0%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.7%
  3. Rear fog lamp: not working4.2%
  4. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.5%
  5. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  6. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.9%
  7. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.4%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.4%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  10. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics25.3%
  2. Brakes17.8%
  3. Suspension16.0%
  4. Body & chassis13.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.7%
  6. Steering7.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.1%
  8. Tyres3.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.5%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded18.1%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play12.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.0%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)7.3%

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Volkswagen Transporter?

In 2024, 64.7% of 1991 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 762 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Volkswagen Transporter?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; rear fog lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 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).