2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT pass rate and common faults

872 MOT tests in 2024. 78.8% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time78.8%
Failed or needed repairs21.2%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 872 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.8%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.7%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    20 marked dangerous
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    21 marked dangerous
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.5%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.5%
  9. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    12 marked dangerous
  10. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension10.7%
  2. Tyres8.1%
  3. Brakes3.8%
  4. Lights & electrics3.4%
  5. Body & chassis2.8%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.9%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.1%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.4%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.7%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.5%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.9%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 6)78.4%974 tests
2024 pass rate (age 7)78.8%872 tests
Change in one year+0.3 pointsaverage car: −1.9 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2017 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 is about as good as an average car its age. 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.

← 2016 CaravelleAll Caravelle years2018 Caravelle →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle?

In 2024, 78.8% of 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle cars passed their MOT first time, across 872 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle getting worse with age?

In 2023, 78.4% passed first time. In 2024, 78.8% passed (+0.3 points). An average car that age changed by −1.9 points, so the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle is ageing better than average.