2001 Volkswagen Transporter · 22,345 MOT tests
2001 Volkswagen Transporter reliability
2001 Volkswagen Transporters fail 45.6% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 26 Transporter years (22,345 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- 45.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 3% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- 174,752
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 22
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 22,345
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does better)
- 2002 cars: about average for its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 10.6% of tests fail here (68% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: exhaust, emissions and leaks, 24% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Volkswagen Transporter
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics24.7%
- Brakes17.1%
- Suspension15.6%
- Body, chassis and structure14.7%
- Steering10.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors8.4%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 6.1%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Steering rack gaiter no longer sealed 4.38%
A damaged gaiter lets dirt into the steering rack, causing wear and possibly costly repairs later.
Position lamp not working 4.19%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Horn not working 4.18%
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 4.06%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.85%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (18.25%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (16.46%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (12.81%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (11.5%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.25%) · Flexible brake hose slightly deteriorated (7.01%)
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 2001 Volkswagen Transporter reliable?
2001 Volkswagen Transporters fail 45.6% of first MOT tests, 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 16 of 26 Transporter years (22,345 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (6.1% of tests), steering rack gaiter no longer sealed (4.38% of tests), position lamp not working (4.19% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Volkswagen Transporter have done?
At its MOT aged about 22, a typical 2001 Volkswagen Transporter shows 174,752 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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