Volkswagen Caddy MOT pass rate and common problems
76.6% of 229,484 Volkswagen Caddy MOT tests pass.
At 76.6%, the Caddy passes slightly less often than the average across all Volkswagen models (79.0%).
At 76.6%, the Volkswagen Caddy passes slightly less often than the national average for cars (79.2%).
Own this Volkswagen Caddy?
This is the average across every Volkswagen Caddy in the dataset. Look up your own registration for its actual MOT history, and a free place to keep its maintenance records.
Have service invoices? Upload and keep them with your car’s history →
How to check and keep your Volkswagen’s service history →
Pass rate by vehicle age
Pass rate drops sharply with age: the Volkswagen Caddy tested at 0–3 years pass 88.7% of the time, compared with just 68.6% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 88.7% | 4,345 | 39,706 miles |
| 3–6 years | 85.9% | 39,468 | 61,001 miles |
| 6–10 years | 79.3% | 72,217 | 92,607 miles |
| 10–15 years | 72.2% | 80,780 | 133,171 miles |
| 15+ years | 68.6% | 32,674 | 158,883 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Volkswagen Caddy
The most common reason the Volkswagen Caddy fails its MOT is suspension — present in 55.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 55.2% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 40.6% | Not working |
| Brakes | 31.9% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Tyres | 26.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Visibility | 19.6% | Provides insufficient washer liquid |
| Body, chassis, structure | 12.4% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 11.6% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 3.0% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Steering | 2.4% | Ball joint has excessive play |
| Identification of the vehicle | 1.5% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
Buying a used Volkswagen Caddy: what to check
These checks follow the Volkswagen Caddy’s own MOT record: the areas it fails on most often, and how that changes as the car gets older. None of them replaces a mechanic’s inspection, but they tell you where to look first.
The biggest drop in pass rate for the Volkswagen Caddy comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 79.3% to 72.2%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 0–30,000 mi to 30,000–60,000 mi: 90.0% down to 84.2%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 55.2% of failed Volkswagen Caddy MOTs. 25.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
Listen for knocks over bumps and speed humps, and check the car sits level. Push down on each corner: it should settle rather than keep bouncing.
2. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 40.6% of failed Volkswagen Caddy MOTs. 21.7% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 4.3% at 0–3 years.
Walk round with the lights on: headlights (dipped and main), indicators, brake lights, fog light and number-plate lamp. Check the dashboard warning lights come on with the ignition, then go out once the engine starts.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 31.9% of failed Volkswagen Caddy MOTs. 17.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 3.4% at 0–3 years.
On the test drive, the car should stop straight without pulling or juddering, and the handbrake should hold it on a slope. Look through the wheels for scored or heavily lipped discs.
4. Tyres
Recorded in 26.5% of failed Volkswagen Caddy MOTs.
Check tread depth across the whole width of every tyre, including the inner edge. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems. Look for cuts and bulges in the sidewalls.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 19.6% of failed Volkswagen Caddy MOTs. 8.1% of tests at 15+ years failed on windscreen and wipers, against 3.1% at 0–3 years.
Look for windscreen chips and cracks in the driver’s line of sight, and check the wipers clear the screen and the washers work.
Check the car’s own MOT history. Averages describe the model, not the car in front of you. Look up its registration for past failures, advisories that were never fixed, and gaps or dips in the recorded mileage.
Ask for the service history. Invoices show what was done and when; a stamp alone shows less. See how to check Volkswagen service history and what a service history check can tell you.
Related Volkswagen models
- Volkswagen Transporter — 74.6% pass rate
- Volkswagen Tiguan — 86.7% pass rate
- Volkswagen Passat — 76.9% pass rate
- Volkswagen Up — 85.4% pass rate
- Volkswagen T-Roc — 93.7% pass rate
- Volkswagen Touran — 74.6% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Volkswagen Caddy?
- 76.6% of Volkswagen Caddy MOT tests pass, based on 229,484 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Volkswagen Caddy?
- The most common reason the Volkswagen Caddy fails its MOT is suspension — present in 55.2% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Volkswagen Caddy?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Volkswagen Caddy are suspension; lights and electrics; brakes. 25.4% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.8% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Volkswagen Caddy?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; lights and electrics; brakes; tyres; windscreen and wipers. Then check the specific car's MOT history by registration for failures, advisories and mileage, and ask the seller for service invoices.
- Does this show the Volkswagen Caddy's service history?
- No — this is MOT test data, which covers roadworthiness, not servicing. A service history is a separate record of maintenance work, which a specific car only has if its owner has kept it. See the Volkswagen service history guide for how to check and keep one.