2021 · 3 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2021 Volkswagen Up MOT pass rate and common faults

3,099 MOT tests in 2024. 90.0% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

103Above average
Passed first time90.0%
Failed or needed repairs10.0%
Typical mileage at test14,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,099 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.4%
    131 marked dangerous
  2. Headlamp aim: too low0.9%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.9%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
    19 marked dangerous
  5. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively0.4%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.4%
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  8. Rear fog lamp: not working0.2%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.2%
    8 marked dangerous
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.8%
  2. Lights & electrics2.6%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.0%
  4. Brakes0.7%
  5. Body & chassis0.5%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.3%
  7. Suspension0.2%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.5%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened1.5%
  5. Non-component advisories: Nail in tyre1.3%

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: tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 UpAll Up years

Questions

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

In 2024, 90.0% of 2021 Volkswagen Up cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,099 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

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

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure; headlamp aim: too low; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 Volkswagen Up reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 103, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).