2014 · 10 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2014 Volkswagen Up MOT pass rate and common faults

20,757 MOT tests in 2024. 77.7% passed first time, compared with 69.9% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time77.7%
Failed or needed repairs22.3%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 20,757 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake performance: excessively binding2.5%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    483 marked dangerous
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits1.4%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.4%
  5. Service brake imbalance: across an axle1.2%
  6. Headlamp aim: too low1.1%
  7. Fuel cap/sealing device: ineffective1.1%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.1%
  9. Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps1.0%
  10. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
    231 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes9.9%
  2. Lights & electrics8.4%
  3. Emissions & leaks5.1%
  4. Tyres4.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.3%
  6. Suspension3.1%
  7. Body & chassis2.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.6%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.2%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.7%
  5. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.3%

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: service brake performance: excessively binding. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2014 Volkswagen Up?

In 2024, 77.7% of 2014 Volkswagen Up cars passed their MOT first time, across 20,757 tests. The average for all 10-year-old cars was 69.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2014 Volkswagen Up?

The most common failure reasons were service brake performance: excessively binding; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2014 Volkswagen Up reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).