2017 · 7 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2017 Volkswagen Up MOT pass rate and common faults

13,118 MOT tests in 2024. 82.6% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time82.6%
Failed or needed repairs17.4%
Typical mileage at test35,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 13,118 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.1%
  3. Rear fog lamp: not working1.3%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.3%
  5. Headlamp aim: too low1.2%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    201 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.0%
    224 marked dangerous
  8. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.8%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.8%
    116 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics6.1%
  2. Brakes5.4%
  3. Tyres4.4%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)3.9%
  5. Suspension3.2%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.3%
  7. Body & chassis1.0%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.4%

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 structure17.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.2%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.7%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.8%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2017 Volkswagen Up?

In 2024, 82.6% of 2017 Volkswagen Up cars passed their MOT first time, across 13,118 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Volkswagen Up?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn; rear fog lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Up reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).