2002 · 22 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2002 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

668 MOT tests in 2024. 60.5% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time60.5%
Failed or needed repairs39.5%
Typical mileage at test191,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 668 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.2%
  3. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.7%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.7%
  5. Position lamp: not working3.4%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working3.0%
  7. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8%
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%
  9. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.2%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases2.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.3%
  2. Brakes24.7%
  3. Suspension18.7%
  4. Body & chassis12.4%
  5. Steering10.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.0%
  8. Tyres3.7%

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 corroded20.5%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.2%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)13.3%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.2%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 21)55.1%730 tests
2024 pass rate (age 22)60.5%668 tests
Change in one year+5.4 pointsaverage car: +0.5 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2002 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 does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 60.5% of 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 668 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle?

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

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle getting worse with age?

In 2023, 55.1% passed first time. In 2024, 60.5% passed (+5.4 points). An average car that age changed by +0.5 points, so the 2002 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing better than average.