2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

737 MOT tests in 2024. 71.8% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

112Well above average
Passed first time71.8%
Failed or needed repairs28.2%
Typical mileage at test100,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 737 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.9%
  2. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.7%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.6%
  4. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn1.8%
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.6%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5%
    23 marked dangerous
  8. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    14 marked dangerous
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.5%
  10. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension16.0%
  2. Lights & electrics11.8%
  3. Brakes8.7%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.7%
  5. Tyres4.1%
  6. Body & chassis3.5%
  7. Steering2.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags1.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.1%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn8.5%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.5%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.2%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.3%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2012 Volkswagen Caravelle cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 11)69.4%820 tests
2024 pass rate (age 12)71.8%737 tests
Change in one year+2.4 pointsaverage car: −1.3 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2012 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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2012 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 71.8% of 2012 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 737 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 112, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Caravelle getting worse with age?

In 2023, 69.4% passed first time. In 2024, 71.8% passed (+2.4 points). An average car that age changed by −1.3 points, so the 2012 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing better than average.