1998 · 26 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1998 Volkswagen Lt MOT pass rate and common faults

127 MOT tests in 2024. 58.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time58.3%
Failed or needed repairs41.7%
Typical mileage at test120,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 127 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements11.8%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements8.7%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.3%
  4. Position lamp: not working4.7%
  5. Rear fog lamp: not working3.9%
  6. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.9%
  7. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps3.1%
  8. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.1%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.1%
  10. Horn: not working3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.3%
  2. Brakes33.9%
  3. Suspension15.0%
  4. Body & chassis9.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.3%
  6. Steering4.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  8. Tyres3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine27.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded22.8%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn15.0%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.4%
  5. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)8.7%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 1998 Volkswagen Lt cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 25)55.2%125 tests
2024 pass rate (age 26)58.3%127 tests
Change in one year+3.1 pointsaverage car: +0.9 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 1998 Volkswagen Lt 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 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.

All Lt years1999 Lt →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1998 Volkswagen Lt?

In 2024, 58.3% of 1998 Volkswagen Lt cars passed their MOT first time, across 127 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Volkswagen Lt?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Lt reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Lt getting worse with age?

In 2023, 55.2% passed first time. In 2024, 58.3% passed (+3.1 points). An average car that age changed by +0.9 points, so the 1998 Volkswagen Lt is ageing better than average.