2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Volkswagen Up MOT pass rate and common faults

12,829 MOT tests in 2024. 84.9% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time84.9%
Failed or needed repairs15.1%
Typical mileage at test28,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 12,829 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.7%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.4%
  3. Headlamp aim: too low1.1%
  4. Rear fog lamp: not working1.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
    153 marked dangerous
  7. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.9%
    130 marked dangerous
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding0.8%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    129 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics4.8%
  2. Tyres4.5%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.1%
  4. Brakes3.4%
  5. Suspension2.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.5%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.4%
  8. Body & chassis0.3%

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 structure17.4%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.8%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.8%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.5%
  5. Registration plates: inscription illegible3.2%

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 2018 Volkswagen Up?

In 2024, 84.9% of 2018 Volkswagen Up cars passed their MOT first time, across 12,829 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 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; headlamp aim: too low. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Up reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).