What are the common problems with the 3-5 year old Volkswagen Transporter?

The top failure areas for the 3-5-year-old Volkswagen Transporter are: Lamps & Electrics (2.7% risk), Suspension (2.2% risk), Tyres (2.2% risk).

Volkswagen Transporter MOT Failure Rate — 3-5 Years Old

18.1%

MOT failure rate for 3-5-year-old Volkswagen Transporter vehicles

Based on 256,439 MOT tests

9.9pp below the UK average (28%)

Volkswagen Transporter shows good reliability at this age, with a 18.1% failure rate — below the national average.

Component Risk Breakdown (3-5 Years)

Which parts of a 3-5-year-old Volkswagen Transporter are most likely to cause an MOT failure:

Lamps & Electrics 2.7%

Suspension 2.2%

Tyres 2.2%

Brakes 1.2%

Visibility 1.2%

Body & Chassis 0.5%

Steering 0.2%

How Does This Compare?

Volkswagen Transporter MOT failure rate across all age groups:

Age	Failure Rate	Tests	Worst Area
0-2 years	15.9%	63,806	Lamps & Electrics
3-5 years	18.1%	256,439	Lamps & Electrics
6-10 years	24.9%	353,963	Suspension
11-15 years	36.4%	255,866	Suspension
15+ years	44.5%	383,827	Lamps & Electrics

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 3-5 year old Volkswagen Transporter reliable?

Yes. Based on 256,439 MOT tests, 3-5-year-old Volkswagen Transporter vehicles have a 18.1% failure rate, which is below the UK average of 28%. This is a reliable choice at this age.

What are the common MOT failures on a 3-5 year old Volkswagen Transporter?

The most common MOT failure areas at this age are:

Lamps & Electrics — 2.7% failure risk
Suspension — 2.2% failure risk
Tyres — 2.2% failure risk

How can I prepare my Volkswagen Transporter for its MOT?

For a 3-5-year-old Volkswagen Transporter, focus on: (1) Lamps & Electrics — the most common failure area at this age. (2) Check all lights and bulbs. (3) Inspect tyres for tread depth and damage. (4) Consider a pre-MOT check at a local garage (£20–£40). You can also use our free prediction tool for a personalised risk breakdown.

Other Volkswagen Transporter Age Groups

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Data methodology: Failure rates are weighted averages across all mileage bands for the 3-5-year age group, calculated from official DVSA MOT test records. Only combinations with 100+ tests are included. Data covers 142 million MOT tests across the UK.

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