2020 Volkswagen Passat · 10,324 MOT tests
2020 Volkswagen Passat reliability
2020 Volkswagen Passats fail 11.1% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 24 Passat years (10,324 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2020 Volkswagen Passat?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- 11.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 30% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 46,270
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,324
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 22% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does worse)
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 66% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 Volkswagen Passat
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5.6%
- Brakes1.8%
- Lights and electrics1.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.3%
- Suspension1.2%
- Seat belts and airbags0.6%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.4%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.37%
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 1.2%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.12%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.89%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.57%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.57%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.13%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.09%) · Brake pads wearing thin (4.11%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (3.84%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.06%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.44%)
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 2020 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
2020 Volkswagen Passats fail 11.1% of first MOT tests, 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 24 Passat years (10,324 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 Volkswagen Passat MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.37% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.2% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.12% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 Volkswagen Passat have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 Volkswagen Passat shows 46,270 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Check a 2020 Volkswagen Passat free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.