At a Glance
The Volkswagen Passat has 13 identified common problems across 9 generations, with the B5 (1997-2005) being the most affected generation and suspension the most common problem category. Based on 5.0M 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 Passat 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 Passat 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 Passat Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
B1
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
B2
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
B3
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
B4
Most common MOT failure: Brake hydraulic component worn
B5
Top issue: Driveshaft fault
B6
Top issue: Electronic parking brake fault
B7
Top issue: Indicator fault
B8
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
B9
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
Most Common Volkswagen Passat MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen Passat 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 | 10.71% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 9.47% |
| 3 | Driveshaft fault | 7.34% |
| 4 | Tyre condition | 6.45% |
| 5 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.64% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.44% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.33% |
| 8 | Stop lamp not working | 3.89% |
| 9 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.50% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.43% |
| 11 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.06% |
| 12 | Front lamp not working | 3.02% |
| 13 | Brake performance below minimum | 2.98% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.67% |
| 15 | Brake disc or drum worn | 2.24% |
| 16 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.22% |
| 17 | Indicator fault | 1.89% |
| 18 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.59% |
| 19 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.58% |
| 20 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 1.38% |
| 21 | Headlamp fault | 1.31% |
| 22 | Airbag warning light on | 1.22% |
| 23 | Exhaust system fault | 1.17% |
| 24 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.16% |
| 25 | Position lamp not working | 1.05% |
| 26 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.88% |
| 27 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.84% |
| 28 | ABS fault | 0.78% |
| 29 | Rear lamp not working | 0.70% |
| 30 | Steering rack fault | 0.60% |
| 31 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.53% |
| 32 | Fog lamp not working | 0.48% |
| 33 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.47% |
| 34 | Rear suspension fault | 0.45% |
| 35 | Seat belt condition | 0.36% |
| 36 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.31% |
| 37 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.27% |
| 38 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.25% |
| 39 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 40 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.23% |
| 41 | Horn not working | 0.22% |
| 42 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.22% |
| 43 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.22% |
| 44 | Parking brake condition | 0.22% |
| 45 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.20% |
| 46 | Brake fluid leak | 0.19% |
| 47 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.17% |
| 48 | Brake caliper fault | 0.17% |
| 49 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.16% |
| 50 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.16% |
| 51 | CV joint worn | 0.16% |
| 52 | Front suspension fault | 0.16% |
| 53 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.13% |
| 54 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.12% |
| 55 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.11% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.11% |
| 57 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.11% |
| 58 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.10% |
| 59 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Brake pedal fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Front passenger door fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Driver airbag fault | 0.07% |
| 63 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.07% |
| 64 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 65 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.06% |
| 66 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Engine oil leak | 0.06% |
| 68 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 69 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.05% |
| 70 | Electronic parking brake fault | 0.04% |
| 71 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 72 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.04% |
| 73 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 74 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 75 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 76 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 77 | Steering free play excessive | 0.03% |
| 78 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.03% |
| 79 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 80 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 81 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.03% |
| 82 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 83 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 84 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 85 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 86 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 88 | Steering operation fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.03% |
| 90 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.02% |
| 91 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 92 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Steering column fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.02% |
| 96 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 97 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 98 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 99 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.02% |
| 100 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Brake servo fault | 0.02% |
| 102 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 103 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 104 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 105 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Vehicle structure corrosion | <0.01% |
| 110 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 111 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 115 | Power steering ram fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 118 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 123 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 124 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 126 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 127 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 130 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 133 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 138 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 140 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 142 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 147 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 148 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 149 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 150 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 154 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 160 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 163 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 165 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 171 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 173 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 175 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 178 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 179 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 180 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 181 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 182 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 184 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 187 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 188 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 190 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 191 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 193 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 194 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 195 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 196 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 197 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
Showing all 197 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen Passat MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volkswagen Passat, 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 Passat problems?
Based on analysis of 5.0M Volkswagen Passat MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 13 identified common problems across 9 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Driveshaft fault". Suspension is the most common problem category.
Which Volkswagen Passat generation has the most problems?
The Volkswagen Passat B5 (1997-2005) (1997–2005) has the highest number of identified common problems (11). 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 Passat?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen Passat owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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