2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Volkswagen T-Cross MOT pass rate and common faults

8,945 MOT tests in 2024. 90.8% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time90.8%
Failed or needed repairs9.3%
Typical mileage at test20,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 8,945 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.2%
    271 marked dangerous
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  3. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.7%
    81 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    77 marked dangerous
  6. Service brake performance: excessively fluctuating0.6%
  7. Washers: not working0.6%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  9. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened0.3%
    48 marked dangerous
  10. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    34 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes4.3%
  2. Tyres3.8%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.6%
  4. Lights & electrics1.4%
  5. Seat belts & airbags0.4%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.2%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.1%
  8. Body & chassis0.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.8%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm9.8%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.7%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.9%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 2)92.8%319 tests
2024 pass rate (age 3)90.8%8,945 tests
Change in one year−2.0 pointsaverage car: −3.3 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross 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 does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 T-CrossAll T-Cross years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross?

In 2024, 90.8% of 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross cars passed their MOT first time, across 8,945 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross?

The most common failure reasons were brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; brake discs: significantly and obviously worn. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross getting worse with age?

In 2023, 92.8% passed first time. In 2024, 90.8% passed (−2.0 points). An average car that age changed by −3.3 points, so the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross is ageing better than average.