Diesel Volkswagen Caravelle: MOT pass rate

68.9% of diesel Volkswagen Caravelles pass the MOT first time, measured across 14,997 DVSA tests on that fuel type alone. Average mileage at test was 135,045.

Diesel against the other Volkswagen Caravelle versions

Why the fuel type changes the number

Diesels carry DPFs, EGR valves and stricter smoke limits, so emissions and exhaust faults account for failures petrol cars never see.

On the Volkswagen Caravelle specifically, diesel is the strongest at 68.9%, and this diesel version sits 0.3 points above the 68.6% model average.

What it means if you are buying one

There is little to choose between fuel types on this model, so decide on running costs and mileage rather than MOT record. Buying a damaged one? run it through the analyzer, check the exact car, decode the VIN and check the mileage before you bid.

Mileage is part of the answer

The average diesel Volkswagen Caravelle had covered 135,045 miles at test, against 99,926 for the petrol. That is high mileage, so timing belts, clutches, suspension bushes and corrosion are the items worth budgeting for rather than the MOT itself.

Fuel type and mileage are tangled together: diesels are usually bought by higher-mileage drivers, so some of any gap between fuels is the miles rather than the engine. The per-year figures on the Volkswagen Caravelle page separate age from fuel if you want to isolate one.

Most common MOT failures on a diesel Volkswagen Caravelle

1. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 2.4% of tests (5.84x the national rate for this defect)
2. Steering rack gaiter or ball joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 2.6% of tests (3.53x the national rate for this defect)
3. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 2.9% of tests (3.08x the national rate for this defect)
4. A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 4.3% of tests (2.33x the national rate for this defect)
5. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 2.1% of tests (1.93x the national rate for this defect)
6. A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 2.8% of tests (1.8x the national rate for this defect)
7. Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, 2.9% of tests (1.73x the national rate for this defect)
8. The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, 3.7% of tests (1.56x the national rate for this defect)
9. Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, 2% of tests (1.55x the national rate for this defect)
10. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 7.7% of tests (1.53x the national rate for this defect)

From 15,091 DVSA-tracked diesel Volkswagen Caravelle tests, 2024, split out from the Volkswagen Caravelle's other fuel types. DVSA testers marked 3.7% of these flagged defects as "dangerous", against 5.11% nationally. See which fuel type fails on the most dangerous defects nationally for how that compares across the whole fleet.

Most common MOT advisories on a diesel Volkswagen Caravelle

Flagged but doesn't fail the car, a different list from the failures above.

1. A flexible brake hose excessively damaged, deteriorated, chafed, twisted or stretched, 3.6% of tests (6.43x the national rate for this defect)
2. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 4.5% of tests (3.63x the national rate for this defect), also fails
3. The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired, 4.2% of tests (2.76x the national rate for this defect), also fails
4. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 15.7% of tests (2.53x the national rate for this defect), also fails
5. Fluid leaking excessively and likely to harm the environment or to pose a safety risk to other road users, 10.3% of tests (1.85x the national rate for this defect)
6. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 19.8% of tests (1.48x the national rate for this defect), also fails
7. Number plate inscription missing or illegible, 3.4% of tests (1.28x the national rate for this defect)
8. A shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, 4.5% of tests (1.16x the national rate for this defect)
9. Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements, 29% of tests
10. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 12.4% of tests

From 15,091 DVSA-tracked diesel Volkswagen Caravelle tests, 2024.

Other Volkswagen Caravelle fuel types

• Petrol Volkswagen Caravelle - 67.2%

All Volkswagen Caravelle MOT data · Every model