1994 · 30 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1994 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

1,747 MOT tests in 2024. 56.5% passed first time, compared with 67.5% for all cars the same age.

84Well below average
Passed first time56.5%
Failed or needed repairs43.5%
Typical mileage at test140,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,747 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  2. Horn: not working4.8%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
  4. Rear fog lamp: not working4.4%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.1%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.4%
  7. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.4%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  9. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%
  10. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.3%
  2. Brakes26.2%
  3. Body & chassis22.8%
  4. Suspension20.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.9%
  6. Emissions & leaks8.2%
  7. Steering4.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine16.7%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)10.3%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.2%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.6%

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 1994 Volkswagen Transporter?

In 2024, 56.5% of 1994 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,747 tests. The average for all 30-year-old cars was 67.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1994 Volkswagen Transporter?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; horn: not working; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1994 Volkswagen Transporter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 84, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).