2016 Volkswagen Passat · 52,013 MOT tests
2016 Volkswagen Passat reliability
2016 Volkswagen Passats fail 18.5% of first MOT tests, 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 Passat years (52,013 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- 18.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 26% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 86,100
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 52,013
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 27% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 58% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.5%
- Suspension5.5%
- Lights and electrics4.4%
- Brakes2.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.6%
- Seat belts and airbags0.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 3.33%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.45%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.44%
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 1.4%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.37%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.16%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.3%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.8%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.86%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (6.65%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (4.79%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.63%)
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 2016 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
2016 Volkswagen Passats fail 18.5% of first MOT tests, 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 24 Passat years (52,013 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen Passat MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (3.33% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.45% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.44% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Volkswagen Passat have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Volkswagen Passat shows 86,100 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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