MOT performance
1989 Volkswagen Transporter: MOT pass rate and common failures
Of 2,809 MOT tests on 1989-registered Volkswagen Transporters in 2023–2024 (on average 25 years old at test, median 133,089 miles), 64.1% passed first time, 4 points lower than the Volkswagen Transporter overall. Allowing for age, mileage and fuel, 1989 Volkswagen Transporters failed about as often as comparable cars.
2,809 MOT tests on 1,546 vehicles, 2023–2024 · Source: DVSA (Open Government Licence) · Analysis: 73 Auto
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| Figure | Value | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| First-time pass rate | 64.1% | ±1.8 pts (95%), n = 2,809 |
| All Volkswagen Transporters | 68.1% | n = 662,911 |
| Failures vs similar cars | 1.04× | same age, mileage and fuel = 1.00 |
| Tests with a dangerous defect | 7.0% | n = 2,809 |
| Average age at test | 25 years | n = 2,809 |
Where 1989 Volkswagen Transporters fail
| Area | Tests failed on it | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights, reflectors and electrical | 16.3% | -5% |
| Brakes | 12.5% | +8% |
| Suspension | 12.1% | +4% |
| Body, chassis and structure | 10.0% | +2% |
| Driver's view of the road | 8.7% | +28% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.8% | -12% |
| Steering | 5.6% | +30% |
| Tyres | 2.9% | -6% |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.2% | -23% |
| Registration plates and VIN | 0.7% | -8% |
| Speedometer and driving controls | 0.5% | +478% |
| Road wheels | 0.2% | -17% |
Most common failure items
| Item | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 4.70% |
| Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | Steering | 3.95% |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | Driver's view of the road | 3.42% |
| Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive | Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.24% |
| Position lamp: not working | Lights, reflectors and electrical | 2.99% |
Check a specific 1989 Volkswagen Transporter
Enter a UK registration to see that car's own MOT history and what it is likely to cost to own. Your first check is free and shows the vehicle summary and its headline ownership cost. The category-by-category breakdown is part of a paid check.
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About this data. These are MOT test results, not a measure of mechanical reliability: a car's MOT outcome reflects its condition on the day, which depends on how it has been maintained and driven as well as how it was built. Figures cover class 4 vehicles (cars and light vans), normal tests only (retests excluded), outcomes pass, fail and pass after rectification at the station; vehicles at least 2.5 years old at test. Tests from 2023-01-01 to 2024-12-30. “Compared with similar cars” means compared with the national rate for cars of the same age, mileage band and fuel. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Makes and models are matched to 73 Auto's vehicle catalogue; tests that can't be matched are left out rather than guessed. See how the MOT figures are produced.