2016 · 8 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2016 Volkswagen Up MOT pass rate and common faults

12,710 MOT tests in 2024. 77.2% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time77.2%
Failed or needed repairs22.8%
Typical mileage at test39,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 12,710 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working3.5%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.5%
  3. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective1.8%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.5%
  6. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.3%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    223 marked dangerous
  8. Headlamp aim: too low1.1%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
    150 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics9.6%
  2. Brakes6.1%
  3. Emissions & leaks5.9%
  4. Tyres4.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%
  6. Suspension4.1%
  7. Body & chassis2.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.0%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.7%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.9%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.4%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: position lamp: not working. 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 2016 Volkswagen Up?

In 2024, 77.2% of 2016 Volkswagen Up cars passed their MOT first time, across 12,710 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Volkswagen Up?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Up reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).