2018 Volkswagen Passat · 37,369 MOT tests
2018 Volkswagen Passat reliability
2018 Volkswagen Passats fail 14.1% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 24 Passat years (37,369 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- 14.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 25% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- 60,961
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 37,369
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does better)
- Weak spot: tyres, 6.7% of tests fail here (14% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 65% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Volkswagen Passat
Fail rate by area
- Tyres6.7%
- Brakes2.3%
- Lights and electrics2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.8%
- Suspension1.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.4%
- Seat belts and airbags0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.91%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.7%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.53%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.19%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.19%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.08%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.4%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.1%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.11%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.2%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (3.64%) · Child seat limits belt inspection (2.47%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Passat year
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Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2018 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
2018 Volkswagen Passats fail 14.1% of first MOT tests, 25% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 24 Passat years (37,369 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Volkswagen Passat MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.91% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.7% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.53% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Volkswagen Passat have done?
At its MOT aged about 4, a typical 2018 Volkswagen Passat shows 60,961 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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