1997 Volkswagen Transporter · 5,036 MOT tests
1997 Volkswagen Transporter reliability
1997 Volkswagen Transporters fail 45.8% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 26 Transporter years (5,036 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- 45.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 163,002
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 5,036
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1997 against the years either side
- 1996 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does better)
- 1998 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1997 car does worse)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 17.3% of tests fail here (43% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 28% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1997 Volkswagen Transporter
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics23.8%
- Suspension19.5%
- Brakes18.1%
- Body, chassis and structure17.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.3%
- Steering6.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 10.48%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Horn not working 5.32%
A non-working horn removes a key warning tool for other road users, so it must be repaired before driving.
CV joint boot split or insecure 5.04%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Headlamp aim set too low 4.88%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 3.85%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Position lamp not working 3.79%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (20.53%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.06%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.64%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (12.59%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.48%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (7.76%)
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 1997 Volkswagen Transporter reliable?
1997 Volkswagen Transporters fail 45.8% of first MOT tests, 15% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 25 of 26 Transporter years (5,036 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1997 Volkswagen Transporter MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (10.48% of tests), horn not working (5.32% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (5.04% of tests).
How many miles should a 1997 Volkswagen Transporter have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1997 Volkswagen Transporter shows 163,002 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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