Van · 1996–2021 cars
Volkswagen Transporter reliability
The Volkswagen Transporter fails 31.7% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 892,035 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Volkswagen Transporter before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 31.7%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 892,035
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 10,900
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Volkswagen Transporter can be a sensible buy if you check it properly. In MOT tests from 2022 to 2024, 31.7% of first-time tests failed, against 28.4% for all cars. Compared with cars of the same age and mileage, it has 5% fewer MOT fails, and it ranks 5 of 40 van models. Year matters: 2011 models had 18% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 1996 models had 21% more.
Don't let the fail rate put you off, but do check the common faults before you buy. Ask for proof of any repairs, and look closely at these: a fractured or broken coil spring (2.6% of tests), a position lamp that isn't working (2.1%), a split or insecure CV joint boot (2.04%), and tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.76%).
MOT fail rate by age
How the Volkswagen Transporter ages
Each point is the share of Volkswagen Transporters of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Volkswagen Transporter | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 16.3% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 18.2% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 19.9% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 21.5% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 23.5% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 25.3% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 28.1% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 29% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 30.7% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 32.9% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 35.9% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 39.4% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 41.2% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 42% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 43.3% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 44% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 43.7% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 44.8% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 46% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 46% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 44.7% | 38.9% |
| 24 | 44.9% | 37.1% |
| 25 | 45% | 35.8% |
By year
The best and worst Volkswagen Transporter years
2011 cars come out best and 1996 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Transporter | 7,059 | 15.2% | 12% more fails | 33,790 |
| 2020 Transporter | 24,553 | 15.5% | 3% more fails | 40,405 |
| 2019 Transporter | 47,761 | 17.6% | 12% more fails | 42,961 |
| 2018 Transporter | 61,599 | 18.5% | 7% more fails | 49,662 |
| 2017 Transporter | 62,401 | 21.2% | 7% more fails | 59,324 |
| 2016 Transporter | 61,830 | 22.1% | 4% fewer fails | 70,458 |
| 2015 Transporter | 55,434 | 25.4% | 3% fewer fails | 78,738 |
| 2014 Transporter | 50,070 | 27.6% | 7% fewer fails | 89,980 |
| 2013 Transporter | 47,473 | 27.5% | 17% fewer fails | 102,517 |
| 2012 Transporter | 42,218 | 29.7% | 18% fewer fails | 110,822 |
| 2011 Transporter | 40,900 | 31.7% | 18% fewer fails | 119,847 |
| 2010 Transporter | 36,906 | 34.3% | 16% fewer fails | 128,118 |
| 2009 Transporter | 31,285 | 38.4% | 9% fewer fails | 131,461 |
| 2008 Transporter | 44,184 | 40.6% | 7% fewer fails | 142,551 |
| 2007 Transporter | 47,232 | 41.3% | 8% fewer fails | 152,496 |
| 2006 Transporter | 39,666 | 43.3% | 4% fewer fails | 157,940 |
| 2005 Transporter | 35,122 | 43.7% | 4% fewer fails | 164,375 |
| 2004 Transporter | 32,477 | 44.1% | 4% fewer fails | 172,010 |
| 2003 Transporter | 24,130 | 45.2% | 1% fewer fails | 168,050 |
| 2002 Transporter | 22,051 | 45.8% | 1% more fails | 173,044 |
| 2001 Transporter | 22,345 | 45.6% | 3% more fails | 174,752 |
| 2000 Transporter | 16,337 | 45.2% | 4% more fails | 173,408 |
| 1999 Transporter | 17,872 | 44.8% | 7% more fails | 177,534 |
| 1998 Transporter | 14,627 | 45.3% | 11% more fails | 174,794 |
| 1997 Transporter | 5,036 | 45.8% | 15% more fails | 163,002 |
| 1996 Transporter | 1,467 | 48.1% | 21% more fails | 168,007 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Volkswagen Transporter
Failures by area, against cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics12.9%13% below avg
- Suspension11.7%1% below avg
- Brakes8.6%8% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.4%0% below avg
- Tyres5.4%21% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure5%9% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks3.9%11% below avg
- Steering2.9%3% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.7%7% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.6% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Position lamp not working 2.1% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 3
CV joint boot split or insecure 2.04% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.76% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.69% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 6
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.68% of tests
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
- 7
Registration plate lamp not working 1.66% of tests
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
- 8
Stop lamp not working 1.49% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Volkswagen Transporter's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit12.03%
- Brake disc pitted or scored7.06%
- Brake pads wearing thin6.21%
- Brake pipes corroded and greasy5.9%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive5.84%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear5.39%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Volkswagen Transporter
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 3
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Volkswagen Transporter covers about 10,900 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel99%
- Petrol1%
- LPG0%
- Other0%
- Electric0%
- Hybrid0%
Most common colours
White, Silver, Blue, Grey, Black
Average engine size: 2.0 litres.
Compare
How the Volkswagen Transporter compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Transporter | 31.7% | 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen Caddy | 30.5% | about average for its age |
| Ford Transit Connect | 36% | 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Transit | 36.7% | 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot Partner | 38.1% | 32% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Vivaro | 43.6% | 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Citroën Berlingo | 41.9% | 37% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every van ranked in the van reliability index, or all Volkswagen models.
Questions
Volkswagen Transporter questions, answered
Is the Volkswagen Transporter reliable?
On MOT results, the Volkswagen Transporter is about average: it fails 31.7% of first MOT tests, 5% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 5 of 40 van models in our index.
What fails most on a Volkswagen Transporter MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen Transporter are coil spring fractured or broken (2.6% of tests), position lamp not working (2.1% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (2.04% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 12.9% of its tests.
Which Volkswagen Transporter year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2011 cars do best (18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 1996 cars do worst (21% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Volkswagen Transporter do a year?
A typical Volkswagen Transporter covers about 10,900 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Volkswagen Transporter before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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