At a Glance
The Volkswagen Transporter has 30 identified common problems across 8 generations, with the T5 (2003-2015) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 4.0M 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 Transporter 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 Transporter 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 Transporter Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
T1 Split Screen
T2 Bay Window
T3
Top issue: Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst)
T4
Top issue: Horn not working
T5
Top issue: Ball joint dust cover split
T6
Top issue: Compression ignition emissions above threshold
T6.1
Most common MOT failure: Tyre condition
T7
Most Common Volkswagen Transporter MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen Transporter 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 | Number plate lamp not working | 8.14% |
| 2 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 7.67% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.97% |
| 4 | Brake performance below minimum | 4.79% |
| 5 | Tyre condition | 4.24% |
| 6 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.20% |
| 7 | Stop lamp not working | 4.01% |
| 8 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 3.95% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 3.62% |
| 10 | Driveshaft fault | 3.35% |
| 11 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 3.15% |
| 12 | Exhaust system fault | 2.50% |
| 13 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.42% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 2.40% |
| 15 | Front lamp not working | 2.15% |
| 16 | Headlamp aim defect | 1.93% |
| 17 | Position lamp not working | 1.85% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.71% |
| 19 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.64% |
| 20 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.58% |
| 21 | Horn not working | 1.57% |
| 22 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.53% |
| 23 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.47% |
| 24 | Steering rack fault | 1.27% |
| 25 | Indicator fault | 1.24% |
| 26 | Headlamp fault | 1.22% |
| 27 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.17% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 1.12% |
| 29 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 1.12% |
| 30 | Chassis condition | 1.05% |
| 31 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.04% |
| 32 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.95% |
| 33 | Brake disc or drum worn | 0.91% |
| 34 | Rear lamp not working | 0.90% |
| 35 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.87% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.82% |
| 37 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.77% |
| 38 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.77% |
| 39 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.59% |
| 40 | ABS fault | 0.56% |
| 41 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.54% |
| 42 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.44% |
| 43 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.40% |
| 44 | Airbag warning light on | 0.34% |
| 45 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.31% |
| 46 | Rear suspension fault | 0.28% |
| 47 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.27% |
| 48 | Front suspension fault | 0.27% |
| 49 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.26% |
| 50 | Parking brake condition | 0.23% |
| 51 | Brake pedal fault | 0.22% |
| 52 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.22% |
| 53 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.20% |
| 54 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.18% |
| 55 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.18% |
| 56 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.18% |
| 57 | Electrical switch fault | 0.16% |
| 58 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.16% |
| 59 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.15% |
| 60 | Engine oil leak | 0.15% |
| 61 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.12% |
| 62 | Front passenger door fault | 0.12% |
| 63 | Drag link end worn | 0.12% |
| 64 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 65 | Steering column fault | 0.12% |
| 66 | Steering free play excessive | 0.10% |
| 67 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.10% |
| 68 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.10% |
| 69 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 70 | Brake fluid leak | 0.09% |
| 71 | Brake caliper fault | 0.09% |
| 72 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.09% |
| 73 | Steering arm worn | 0.09% |
| 74 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.09% |
| 75 | Steering operation fault | 0.09% |
| 76 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.07% |
| 77 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.07% |
| 78 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.07% |
| 79 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.07% |
| 80 | Brake lever fault | 0.07% |
| 81 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.07% |
| 82 | Passenger seat fault | 0.07% |
| 83 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.07% |
| 84 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.06% |
| 85 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.06% |
| 86 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.06% |
| 87 | Steering lock fault | 0.06% |
| 88 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.06% |
| 89 | Driver seat fault | 0.06% |
| 90 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 91 | Propshaft fault | 0.05% |
| 92 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.04% |
| 93 | Speedometer fault | 0.04% |
| 94 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 95 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 96 | Steering box fault | 0.04% |
| 97 | Towbar fault | 0.04% |
| 98 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 99 | Body security fault | 0.03% |
| 100 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 101 | Power steering pump fault | 0.03% |
| 102 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.03% |
| 103 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 104 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 105 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 106 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 107 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 108 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.02% |
| 109 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 110 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 111 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 112 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 113 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 114 | Spare wheel fault | 0.02% |
| 115 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 116 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 117 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 118 | Vehicle floor corroded | 0.02% |
| 119 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 120 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 121 | Brake servo fault | 0.01% |
| 122 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 123 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.01% |
| 124 | Loading door damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 125 | Indicator warning light fault | 0.01% |
| 126 | Steering damper fault | 0.01% |
| 127 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 128 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 129 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.01% |
| 130 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 135 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 136 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 137 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 138 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 139 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 141 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Step damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 145 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 148 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 149 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 152 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 154 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 155 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 156 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 158 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 159 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 160 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 161 | Daytime running lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 162 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 166 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 167 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 170 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 171 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 172 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 173 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 174 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 175 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 178 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 180 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 181 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 182 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 184 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 187 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 188 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 189 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 190 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 191 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 192 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 193 | Securing bolts missing or insecure | <0.01% |
| 194 | Air suspension levelling valve fault | <0.01% |
| 195 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 196 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 197 | Spring saddle corroded | <0.01% |
| 198 | Cab corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 199 | Leaf spring shackle bracket corroded | <0.01% |
| 200 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 201 | Steering head bearings worn | <0.01% |
Showing all 201 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen Transporter MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volkswagen Transporter, 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 Transporter problems?
Based on analysis of 4.0M Volkswagen Transporter MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 30 identified common problems across 8 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Ball joint dust cover split". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Volkswagen Transporter generation has the most problems?
The Volkswagen Transporter T5 (2003-2015) (2003–2015) has the highest number of identified common problems (14). 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 Transporter?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen Transporter owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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