2001 · 23 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

6,330 MOT tests in 2024. 54.4% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time54.4%
Failed or needed repairs45.6%
Typical mileage at test177,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 6,330 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.0%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  3. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4%
  4. Horn: not working4.3%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low4.1%
  6. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working3.0%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements2.9%
  10. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics39.4%
  2. Brakes29.4%
  3. Suspension19.7%
  4. Body & chassis18.7%
  5. Steering12.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.0%
  7. Tyres6.8%
  8. Emissions & leaks6.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.3%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)13.6%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.0%

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 2001 Volkswagen Transporter?

In 2024, 54.4% of 2001 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 6,330 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 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; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Transporter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).