2001 · 23 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2001 Volkswagen Lt MOT pass rate and common faults

147 MOT tests in 2024. 45.6% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

77Well below average
Passed first time45.6%
Failed or needed repairs54.4%
Typical mileage at test144,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 147 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements9.5%
  2. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements8.8%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively6.8%
  4. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam6.8%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.1%
  6. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps6.1%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.1%
  8. Headlamp: not working on main beam6.1%
  9. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced6.1%
  10. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded5.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes68.0%
  2. Lights & electrics65.3%
  3. Suspension27.9%
  4. Body & chassis20.4%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)15.6%
  6. Steering8.2%
  7. Tyres6.1%
  8. Emissions & leaks6.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded24.5%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened17.0%
  4. Non-component advisories: Play in steering rack inner joint(s)16.3%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn13.6%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2001 Volkswagen Lt cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 22)52.0%150 tests
2024 pass rate (age 23)45.6%147 tests
Change in one year−6.4 pointsaverage car: +0.7 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2001 Volkswagen Lt is ageing worse than an average car, so problems may be starting to build up at this age.

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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2001 Volkswagen Lt?

In 2024, 45.6% of 2001 Volkswagen Lt cars passed their MOT first time, across 147 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Volkswagen Lt?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: efficiency below requirements; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Lt reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 77, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Lt getting worse with age?

In 2023, 52.0% passed first time. In 2024, 45.6% passed (−6.4 points). An average car that age changed by +0.7 points, so the 2001 Volkswagen Lt is ageing worse than average.