At a Glance
The Volkswagen Caddy has 25 identified common problems across 5 generations, with the Mk3 (2004-2015) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.6M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volkswagen Caddy common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volkswagen Caddy generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Volkswagen Caddy Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Mk1 (Typ 14)
Mk2
Top issue: Brake hydraulic component worn
Mk3
Top issue: Linkage ball joint dust cover split
Mk4
Top issue: Compression ignition emissions above threshold
Mk5
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Volkswagen Caddy MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen Caddy vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.81% |
| 2 | Number plate lamp not working | 8.50% |
| 3 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.11% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 6.68% |
| 5 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 5.34% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.93% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.72% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 4.55% |
| 9 | Driveshaft fault | 4.50% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.21% |
| 11 | Exhaust system fault | 3.00% |
| 12 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.48% |
| 13 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.13% |
| 14 | Position lamp not working | 2.08% |
| 15 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.04% |
| 16 | Front lamp not working | 1.92% |
| 17 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 1.91% |
| 18 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.64% |
| 19 | Indicator fault | 1.23% |
| 20 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.18% |
| 21 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.12% |
| 22 | MacPherson strut worn | 1.04% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.01% |
| 24 | Headlamp fault | 0.96% |
| 25 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.84% |
| 26 | Rear lamp not working | 0.80% |
| 27 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.78% |
| 28 | ABS fault | 0.69% |
| 29 | Track rod end worn | 0.66% |
| 30 | Rear suspension fault | 0.61% |
| 31 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.53% |
| 32 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.52% |
| 33 | Parking brake condition | 0.50% |
| 34 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.50% |
| 35 | Horn not working | 0.48% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.45% |
| 37 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.44% |
| 38 | Airbag warning light on | 0.44% |
| 39 | Fog lamp not working | 0.44% |
| 40 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.43% |
| 41 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.40% |
| 42 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.39% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.31% |
| 44 | Front suspension fault | 0.29% |
| 45 | Chassis condition | 0.29% |
| 46 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.28% |
| 47 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.27% |
| 48 | Seat belt condition | 0.27% |
| 49 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.23% |
| 50 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.21% |
| 51 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.19% |
| 52 | Front passenger door fault | 0.14% |
| 53 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.13% |
| 54 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.13% |
| 55 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | 0.13% |
| 56 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.13% |
| 57 | Engine oil leak | 0.13% |
| 58 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.12% |
| 59 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 60 | Brake fluid leak | 0.11% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 62 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 63 | Brake lever fault | 0.10% |
| 64 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.09% |
| 65 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.08% |
| 66 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.08% |
| 67 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.07% |
| 68 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.07% |
| 69 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 70 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 71 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.07% |
| 72 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 73 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 74 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 75 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 76 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 77 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.05% |
| 78 | Driver seat fault | 0.05% |
| 79 | Spare wheel fault | 0.05% |
| 80 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.05% |
| 81 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.05% |
| 82 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.04% |
| 84 | Steering free play excessive | 0.04% |
| 85 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 86 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.04% |
| 87 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 88 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 89 | Electric power steering fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Passenger seat fault | 0.03% |
| 91 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 92 | Brake pedal fault | 0.03% |
| 93 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 94 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.03% |
| 96 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 97 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.03% |
| 98 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 99 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 100 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 102 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.02% |
| 103 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 105 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 106 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 107 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.02% |
| 108 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 109 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 110 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 111 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 113 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.01% |
| 114 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 115 | Steering coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 116 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 117 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 122 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 123 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 124 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Anchor bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 131 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 132 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 133 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 137 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 138 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 141 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 143 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 151 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 159 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 160 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 162 | Leaf spring slipper worn | <0.01% |
| 163 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 164 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 167 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 170 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 171 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 176 | Leaf spring eye worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 177 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 178 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 179 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 184 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 185 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 187 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 188 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 190 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 191 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 193 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 194 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 196 | Handlebars damaged | <0.01% |
| 197 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 198 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 198 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen Caddy MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volkswagen Caddy, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volkswagen Caddy problems?
Based on analysis of 1.6M Volkswagen Caddy MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 25 identified common problems across 5 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Volkswagen Caddy generation has the most problems?
The Volkswagen Caddy Mk3 (2004-2015) (2004–2015) has the highest number of identified common problems (16). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volkswagen Caddy?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen Caddy owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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