2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Volkswagen Caddy MOT pass rate and common faults

271 MOT tests in 2024. 52.0% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time52.0%
Failed or needed repairs48.0%
Typical mileage at test135,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 271 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength8.9%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle7.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded7.0%
  4. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.6%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.3%
  6. Position lamp: not working5.9%
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn5.2%
  8. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.4%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.1%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes47.2%
  2. Lights & electrics41.3%
  3. Suspension33.2%
  4. Body & chassis28.8%
  5. Steering11.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.6%
  7. Seat belts & airbags8.5%
  8. Emissions & leaks7.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded35.1%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.0%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn10.3%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine9.6%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Volkswagen Caddy?

In 2024, 52.0% of 2003 Volkswagen Caddy cars passed their MOT first time, across 271 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Volkswagen Caddy?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Volkswagen Caddy reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).