1998 · 26 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1998 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

402 MOT tests in 2024. 56.7% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time56.7%
Failed or needed repairs43.3%
Typical mileage at test185,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 402 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.5%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.0%
  3. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.2%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.0%
  6. Horn: not working3.7%
  7. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.7%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.5%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.5%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes29.4%
  2. Lights & electrics27.4%
  3. Body & chassis21.9%
  4. Suspension19.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks12.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.0%
  7. Steering9.2%
  8. Tyres4.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine19.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.4%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.4%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)11.4%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 25)52.0%425 tests
2024 pass rate (age 26)56.7%402 tests
Change in one year+4.7 pointsaverage car: +0.9 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing better than an average car, which is a good sign for keeping one longer.

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.

← 1997 CaravelleAll Caravelle years1999 Caravelle →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 56.7% of 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 402 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle getting worse with age?

In 2023, 52.0% passed first time. In 2024, 56.7% passed (+4.7 points). An average car that age changed by +0.9 points, so the 1998 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing better than average.