2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 Volkswagen Touareg MOT pass rate and common faults

3,849 MOT tests in 2024. 78.1% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

102About average
Passed first time78.1%
Failed or needed repairs21.9%
Typical mileage at test73,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,849 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rear fog lamp: not working7.2%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.6%
  3. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.8%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    103 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  6. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
    85 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp levelling device: inoperative0.9%
  8. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.7%
    32 marked dangerous
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics12.5%
  2. Tyres5.4%
  3. Suspension3.9%
  4. Brakes3.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks3.1%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.7%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.7%
  8. Body & chassis0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.9%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick10.0%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened4.8%
  4. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.2%
  5. Non-component advisories: Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt2.5%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2016 Volkswagen Touareg cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 7)77.8%3,890 tests
2024 pass rate (age 8)78.1%3,849 tests
Change in one year+0.3 pointsaverage car: −2.0 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2016 Volkswagen Touareg 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 is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: rear fog lamp: not working. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2015 TouaregAll Touareg years2017 Touareg →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?

In 2024, 78.1% of 2016 Volkswagen Touareg cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,849 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Volkswagen Touareg?

The most common failure reasons were rear fog lamp: not working; coil spring: fractured or broken; malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg getting worse with age?

In 2023, 77.8% passed first time. In 2024, 78.1% passed (+0.3 points). An average car that age changed by −2.0 points, so the 2016 Volkswagen Touareg is ageing better than average.