2021 · 3 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2021 Volkswagen Passat MOT pass rate and common faults

3,668 MOT tests in 2024. 86.6% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time86.6%
Failed or needed repairs13.4%
Typical mileage at test43,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,668 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.3%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.2%
    114 marked dangerous
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.8%
    112 marked dangerous
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.1%
  5. Headlamp aim: too high0.9%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.8%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    32 marked dangerous
  8. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.5%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.5%
  10. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres7.4%
  2. Lights & electrics2.2%
  3. Brakes2.1%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.0%
  5. Suspension1.4%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.4%
  8. Body & chassis0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.1%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.2%
  4. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak3.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.2%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 PassatAll Passat years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

In 2024, 86.6% of 2021 Volkswagen Passat cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,668 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Volkswagen Passat?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Passat reliable at MOT time?

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