2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Volkswagen Touareg MOT pass rate and common faults

1,867 MOT tests in 2024. 75.7% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time75.7%
Failed or needed repairs24.3%
Typical mileage at test110,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,867 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken10.8%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    80 marked dangerous
  3. Position lamp: not working2.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
    38 marked dangerous
  6. Stop lamp: not working1.2%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.0%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.9%
    27 marked dangerous
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension11.7%
  2. Lights & electrics8.4%
  3. Brakes5.6%
  4. Tyres5.5%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.3%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.7%
  8. Body & chassis0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.8%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.5%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick11.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.4%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.3%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2012 Volkswagen Touareg cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 11)78.1%1,956 tests
2024 pass rate (age 12)75.7%1,867 tests
Change in one year−2.3 pointsaverage car: −1.3 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is ageing about the same as an average car.

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2011 TouaregAll Touareg years2013 Touareg →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

In 2024, 75.7% of 2012 Volkswagen Touareg cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,867 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Volkswagen Touareg?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg getting worse with age?

In 2023, 78.1% passed first time. In 2024, 75.7% passed (−2.3 points). An average car that age changed by −1.3 points, so the 2012 Volkswagen Touareg is ageing about the same as average.