2021 Volkswagen Transporter · 7,059 MOT tests
2021 Volkswagen Transporter reliability
2021 Volkswagen Transporters fail 15.2% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 26 Transporter years (7,059 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- 15.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Transporters: 31.7%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 12% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 33,790
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,059
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 2.7% of tests fail here (183% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 27% 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 Transporter
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics4.8%
- Tyres4.6%
- Suspension2.7%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.5%
- Brakes1.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.4%
- Seat belts and airbags0.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.25%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 1.15%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.03%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.02%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.92%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.82%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.11%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.13%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (1.49%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.36%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.25%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.16%)
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 2021 Volkswagen Transporter reliable?
2021 Volkswagen Transporters fail 15.2% of first MOT tests, 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 24 of 26 Transporter years (7,059 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.25% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (1.15% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.03% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Volkswagen Transporter shows 33,790 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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