2001 · 23 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2001 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

624 MOT tests in 2024. 57.0% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time57.0%
Failed or needed repairs43.0%
Typical mileage at test189,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 624 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.4%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.3%
  3. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.8%
  4. Horn: not working3.5%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  6. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.2%
  7. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.0%
  8. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%
  9. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.9%
  10. Washers: not working2.9%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics30.4%
  2. Brakes29.0%
  3. Suspension19.1%
  4. Body & chassis18.6%
  5. Steering13.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.1%
  7. Tyres5.3%
  8. Emissions & leaks4.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine21.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.0%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.1%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)13.1%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 22)59.0%663 tests
2024 pass rate (age 23)57.0%624 tests
Change in one year−1.9 pointsaverage car: +0.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2001 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 57.0% of 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 624 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle getting worse with age?

In 2023, 59.0% passed first time. In 2024, 57.0% passed (−1.9 points). An average car that age changed by +0.7 points, so the 2001 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing worse than average.