1999 · 25 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1999 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

4,029 MOT tests in 2024. 56.1% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time56.1%
Failed or needed repairs43.9%
Typical mileage at test179,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,029 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.9%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.2%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.9%
  4. Position lamp: not working3.8%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low3.7%
  6. Horn: not working3.6%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.3%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  9. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.2%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.9%
  2. Brakes29.5%
  3. Body & chassis20.7%
  4. Suspension19.4%
  5. Steering8.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.3%
  7. Emissions & leaks7.0%
  8. Tyres5.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded23.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.7%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.2%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)13.5%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.9%

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.

← 1998 TransporterAll Transporter years2000 Transporter →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Volkswagen Transporter?

In 2024, 56.1% of 1999 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,029 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Volkswagen Transporter?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Transporter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).