2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Volkswagen Lt MOT pass rate and common faults

354 MOT tests in 2024. 54.2% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time54.2%
Failed or needed repairs45.8%
Typical mileage at test157,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 354 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements9.6%
  2. Headlamp: not working on main beam5.4%
  3. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam5.4%
  4. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps4.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.8%
  6. Rear fog lamp: not working4.2%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value4.0%
    20 marked dangerous
  8. Position lamp: not working4.0%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.0%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics56.2%
  2. Brakes52.8%
  3. Suspension16.1%
  4. Body & chassis10.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.3%
  6. Steering5.6%
  7. Emissions & leaks4.0%
  8. Tyres4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine28.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded21.2%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.3%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn12.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.1%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2004 Volkswagen Lt cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 19)53.4%365 tests
2024 pass rate (age 20)54.2%354 tests
Change in one year+0.8 pointsaverage car: +0.4 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2004 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: rbt (sp): 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 2004 Volkswagen Lt?

In 2024, 54.2% of 2004 Volkswagen Lt cars passed their MOT first time, across 354 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Volkswagen Lt?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; headlamp: not working on main beam; headlamp: not working on dipped beam. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Lt reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Lt getting worse with age?

In 2023, 53.4% passed first time. In 2024, 54.2% passed (+0.8 points). An average car that age changed by +0.4 points, so the 2004 Volkswagen Lt is ageing about the same as average.