1996 Volkswagen Transporter · 1,467 MOT tests
1996 Volkswagen Transporter reliability
1996 Volkswagen Transporters fail 48.1% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 26 of 26 Transporter years (1,467 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- 48.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 168,007
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,467
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1996 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1996 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 17.3% of tests fail here (42% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 41% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1996 Volkswagen Transporter
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics25.1%
- Suspension19%
- Brakes18.4%
- Body, chassis and structure17.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.2%
- Steering7.6%
- Tyres5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 9.95%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Horn not working 5.59%
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
Headlamp aim set too low 5.18%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.7%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.29%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Service brake efficiency below minimum 4.16%
The brakes are not stopping the car effectively enough, a serious safety risk that needs urgent repair before driving.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (22.9%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (22.22%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (13.16%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.09%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.34%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (8.59%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Transporter year
The full picture: Volkswagen Transporter reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Transporter, 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 1996 Volkswagen Transporter reliable?
1996 Volkswagen Transporters fail 48.1% of first MOT tests, 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 26 of 26 Transporter years (1,467 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1996 Volkswagen Transporter MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (9.95% of tests), horn not working (5.59% of tests), headlamp aim set too low (5.18% of tests).
How many miles should a 1996 Volkswagen Transporter have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1996 Volkswagen Transporter shows 168,007 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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