1998 Volkswagen Passat · 1,322 MOT tests
1998 Volkswagen Passat reliability
1998 Volkswagen Passats fail 43.6% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 Passat years (1,322 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- 43.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- 146,636
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 24
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,322
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: about average for its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.6% of tests fail here (87% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: seat belts and airbags, 40% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Volkswagen Passat
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.4%
- Suspension17.3%
- Body, chassis and structure12.6%
- Brakes10.2%
- Steering7.3%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.58%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 5.6%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 4.54%
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 3.86%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
Stop lamp not working 3.33%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.95%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.21%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.84%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.48%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (9.08%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (7.72%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (7.26%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Passat year
The full picture: Volkswagen Passat reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Passat, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 1998 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
1998 Volkswagen Passats fail 43.6% of first MOT tests, 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 24 Passat years (1,322 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Volkswagen Passat MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (6.58% of tests), suspension ball joint excessively worn (5.6% of tests), headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect (4.54% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Volkswagen Passat have done?
At its MOT aged about 24, a typical 1998 Volkswagen Passat shows 146,636 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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