2008 Volkswagen Passat · 37,508 MOT tests
2008 Volkswagen Passat reliability
2008 Volkswagen Passats fail 38.5% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 24 Passat years (37,508 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- 38.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- 143,231
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 14
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 37,508
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2008 against the years either side
- 2007 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does better)
- 2009 cars: 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2008 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 10.7% of tests fail here (33% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 67% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2008 car carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
Common problems
What fails on a 2008 Volkswagen Passat
Fail rate by area
- Suspension16.2%
- Body, chassis and structure10.7%
- Lights and electrics10.1%
- Tyres10.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks8.2%
- Brakes7.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.05%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.36%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.68%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 3.53%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 3.07%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 2.68%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (22.3%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (17.22%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.94%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (7.75%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.49%) · Sub-frame showing corrosion (7.22%)
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 2008 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
2008 Volkswagen Passats fail 38.5% of first MOT tests, 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 13 of 24 Passat years (37,508 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2008 Volkswagen Passat MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (6.05% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.36% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (3.68% of tests).
How many miles should a 2008 Volkswagen Passat have done?
At its MOT aged about 14, a typical 2008 Volkswagen Passat shows 143,231 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2008 car?
A car first registered in 2008 carries a 57 plate (January–February 2008), or a 08 plate (March–August 2008), or a 58 plate (September–December 2008).
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