1999 · 25 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1999 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

394 MOT tests in 2024. 56.1% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time56.1%
Failed or needed repairs43.9%
Typical mileage at test195,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 394 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements5.1%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements4.6%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working4.3%
  6. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid4.1%
  7. Position lamp: not working3.8%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.6%
  9. Horn: not working3.0%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes33.2%
  2. Lights & electrics32.2%
  3. Body & chassis18.3%
  4. Suspension17.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)13.7%
  6. Steering10.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.9%
  8. Tyres5.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded27.2%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.2%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)12.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.9%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 24)56.3%412 tests
2024 pass rate (age 25)56.1%394 tests
Change in one year−0.2 pointsaverage car: +0.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing about the same as an average car.

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: service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. 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 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 56.1% of 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 394 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle getting worse with age?

In 2023, 56.3% passed first time. In 2024, 56.1% passed (−0.2 points). An average car that age changed by +0.7 points, so the 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing about the same as average.