1997 · 27 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1997 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

2,885 MOT tests in 2024. 54.4% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

83Well below average
Passed first time54.4%
Failed or needed repairs45.6%
Typical mileage at test164,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,885 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength9.9%
  2. Horn: not working5.4%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
  4. Headlamp aim: too low3.9%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.8%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced3.7%
  7. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.4%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  9. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.3%
  10. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics37.5%
  2. Brakes31.3%
  3. Body & chassis25.2%
  4. Suspension23.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.2%
  6. Steering8.4%
  7. Emissions & leaks7.9%
  8. Tyres5.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.1%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)11.1%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.8%

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 1997 Volkswagen Transporter?

In 2024, 54.4% of 1997 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,885 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 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 1997 Volkswagen Transporter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 83, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).