1999 · 25 years old at test · Diesel mostly

1999 Volkswagen Lt MOT pass rate and common faults

127 MOT tests in 2024. 56.7% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time56.7%
Failed or needed repairs43.3%
Typical mileage at test145,000

Most common reasons for failing

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

  1. Headlamp: not working on main beam8.7%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements6.3%
  3. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn4.7%
  4. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.7%
  6. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.9%
  7. Headlamp aim: too low3.1%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.1%
  9. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.1%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics47.2%
  2. Brakes30.7%
  3. Suspension22.0%
  4. Body & chassis16.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.1%
  7. Steering4.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine26.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.5%
  3. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)17.3%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.4%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 1999 Volkswagen Lt cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 24)55.4%159 tests
2024 pass rate (age 25)56.7%127 tests
Change in one year+1.3 pointsaverage car: +0.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 1999 Volkswagen Lt is ageing about the same as an average car.

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: headlamp: not working on main beam. 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 1999 Volkswagen Lt?

In 2024, 56.7% of 1999 Volkswagen Lt cars passed their MOT first time, across 127 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Volkswagen Lt?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp: not working on main beam; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1999 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 1999 Volkswagen Lt getting worse with age?

In 2023, 55.4% passed first time. In 2024, 56.7% passed (+1.3 points). An average car that age changed by +0.7 points, so the 1999 Volkswagen Lt is ageing about the same as average.