2021 · 3 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2021 Volkswagen Transporter MOT pass rate and common faults

17,541 MOT tests in 2024. 81.8% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time81.8%
Failed or needed repairs18.2%
Typical mileage at test32,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 17,541 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  3. Headlamp aim: too high1.7%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.6%
    375 marked dangerous
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.5%
    362 marked dangerous
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.4%
  7. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.1%
    220 marked dangerous
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.7%
  9. Stop lamp: not working0.7%
  10. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics7.0%
  2. Tyres6.1%
  3. Suspension4.8%
  4. Brakes2.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks1.7%
  7. Body & chassis0.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.5%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.8%
  3. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak2.4%
  4. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre2.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%

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: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 TransporterAll Transporter years

Questions

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

In 2024, 81.8% of 2021 Volkswagen Transporter cars passed their MOT first time, across 17,541 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

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

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; headlamp aim: too high. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).