1996 · 28 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1996 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

274 MOT tests in 2024. 49.3% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

74Well below average
Passed first time49.3%
Failed or needed repairs50.7%
Typical mileage at test188,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 274 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength10.6%
  2. Horn: not working6.2%
  3. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced5.8%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.7%
  6. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.4%
  7. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  9. Headlamp aim: too low4.0%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm4.0%
    23 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics42.7%
  2. Brakes41.2%
  3. Suspension25.5%
  4. Body & chassis25.2%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)15.3%
  6. Emissions & leaks11.3%
  7. Tyres8.8%
  8. Steering8.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine25.2%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded24.8%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength12.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.0%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)11.7%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 27)52.3%302 tests
2024 pass rate (age 28)49.3%274 tests
Change in one year−3.0 pointsaverage car: +0.9 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing worse than an average car, so problems may be starting to build up at this age.

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.

← 1995 CaravelleAll Caravelle years1997 Caravelle →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 49.3% of 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 274 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; horn: not working; integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 74, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle getting worse with age?

In 2023, 52.3% passed first time. In 2024, 49.3% passed (−3.0 points). An average car that age changed by +0.9 points, so the 1996 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing worse than average.