2021 Volkswagen Passat · 1,596 MOT tests
2021 Volkswagen Passat reliability
2021 Volkswagen Passats fail 10.3% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 24 Passat years (1,596 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- 10.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Passats: 29.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 36% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 47,970
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,596
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 30% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.6% of tests fail here (306% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4%
- Brakes1.9%
- Lights and electrics1.7%
- Seat belts and airbags1.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.3%
- Suspension0.8%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.44%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.69%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 0.69%
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 0.69%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 0.69%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.63%
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 (8.08%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.02%) · Brake pads wearing thin (3.38%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (1.82%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (1.69%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.19%)
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 2021 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
2021 Volkswagen Passats fail 10.3% of first MOT tests, 36% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 24 Passat years (1,596 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Volkswagen Passat MOT?
Most often tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.44% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (0.69% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.69% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Volkswagen Passat have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Volkswagen Passat shows 47,970 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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