Diesel Volkswagen Transporter: MOT pass rate

71.6% of diesel Volkswagen Transporters pass the MOT first time, measured across 277,378 DVSA tests on that fuel type alone. Average mileage at test was 125,438.

Diesel against the other Volkswagen Transporter 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 Transporter specifically, diesel is the strongest at 71.6%, and this diesel version sits 0.1 points above the 71.5% 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 Transporter had covered 125,438 miles at test, against 98,390 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 Transporter page separate age from fuel if you want to isolate one.

Most common MOT failures on a diesel Volkswagen Transporter

1. 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, 2.2% of tests (2.29x the national rate for this defect)
2. A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 4% of tests (2.15x the national rate for this defect)
3. A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc, 3% of tests (1.98x the national rate for this defect)
4. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, 3.6% of tests (1.58x the national rate for this defect)
5. Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen, 2.6% of tests (1.57x the national rate for this defect)
6. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 7.6% of tests (1.5x the national rate for this defect)
7. The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements, 3.3% of tests (1.4x the national rate for this defect)
8. Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement, 1.8% of tests (1.37x the national rate for this defect)
9. Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction, 1.7% of tests (1.36x the national rate for this defect)
10. A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play, 1.8% of tests (1.35x the national rate for this defect)

From 279,085 DVSA-tracked diesel Volkswagen Transporter tests, 2024, split out from the Volkswagen Transporter's other fuel types. DVSA testers marked 3.76% 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 Transporter

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, 2.4% of tests (4.35x the national rate for this defect)
2. Vehicle structure corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is seriously reduced, 2.6% of tests (2.07x the national rate for this defect)
3. Brake pipe damaged or excessively corroded, 11.6% of tests (1.88x the national rate for this defect)
4. 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, 2.7% of tests (1.81x 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, 8.5% of tests (1.53x the national rate for this defect)
6. A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, 6.9% of tests (1.46x the national rate for this defect), also fails
7. A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn, 19.1% of tests (1.43x the national rate for this defect), also fails
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, 23.9% of tests
10. Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured, 12.8% of tests

From 279,085 DVSA-tracked diesel Volkswagen Transporter tests, 2024.

Other Volkswagen Transporter fuel types

• Petrol Volkswagen Transporter - 68.9%

All Volkswagen Transporter MOT data · Every model