Volkswagen Tiguan MOT pass rate and common problems
86.7% of 395,378 Volkswagen Tiguan MOT tests pass.
The Tiguan passes its MOT 86.7% of the time — well above the average across all Volkswagen models, which sits at 79.0%.
The Volkswagen Tiguan passes its MOT 86.7% of the time — well above the national average for cars, which sits at 79.2%.
Own this Volkswagen Tiguan?
This is the average across every Volkswagen Tiguan 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 Tiguan tested at 0–3 years pass 92.4% of the time, compared with just 71.2% at 15+ years.
| Vehicle age | Pass rate | Tests | Average mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–3 years | 92.4% | 31,643 | 27,379 miles |
| 3–6 years | 91.3% | 149,151 | 41,167 miles |
| 6–10 years | 87.3% | 135,240 | 68,055 miles |
| 10–15 years | 75.4% | 68,351 | 102,701 miles |
| 15+ years | 71.2% | 10,993 | 128,138 miles |
Common MOT failure reasons for the Volkswagen Tiguan
The most common reason the Volkswagen Tiguan fails its MOT is suspension — present in 43.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
| Category | Share of failed tests | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 43.4% | Pin or bush excessively worn |
| Tyres | 36.5% | Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm |
| Brakes | 21.5% | Less than 1.5 mm thick |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 20.4% | Not working |
| Visibility | 10.8% | Does not clear the windscreen effectively |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 8.5% | Inoperative or indicates a malfunction |
| Body, chassis, structure | 4.4% | Constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 2.6% | Warning lamp indicates a fault |
| Identification of the vehicle | 2.0% | Does not conform to the specified requirements |
| Steering | 1.4% | Ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt |
Buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan: what to check
These checks follow the Volkswagen Tiguan’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 Tiguan comes between 6–10 years and 10–15 years old, from 87.3% to 75.4%. If you are looking at one in or just past that range, read its MOT history closely.
By mileage, the steepest fall is from 60,000–90,000 mi to 90,000–120,000 mi: 85.3% down to 77.7%. Mileage matters as well as age, so compare the car’s recorded mileages with its year.
1. Suspension
Recorded in 43.4% of failed Volkswagen Tiguan MOTs. 26.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.6% 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. Tyres
Recorded in 36.5% of failed Volkswagen Tiguan MOTs. 9.2% of tests at 15+ years failed on tyres, against 4.2% at 0–3 years.
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.
3. Brakes
Recorded in 21.5% of failed Volkswagen Tiguan MOTs. 6.8% of tests at 15+ years failed on brakes, against 2.2% 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. Lights and electrics
Recorded in 20.4% of failed Volkswagen Tiguan MOTs. 12.6% of tests at 15+ years failed on lights and electrics, against 1.0% 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.
5. Windscreen and wipers
Recorded in 10.8% of failed Volkswagen Tiguan MOTs.
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 Golf — 80.7% pass rate
- Volkswagen Polo — 74.5% pass rate
- Volkswagen Transporter — 74.6% pass rate
- Volkswagen Passat — 76.9% pass rate
- Volkswagen Caddy — 76.6% pass rate
- Volkswagen Up — 85.4% pass rate
Frequently asked questions
- What is the MOT pass rate for the Volkswagen Tiguan?
- 86.7% of Volkswagen Tiguan MOT tests pass, based on 395,378 tests in the DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results dataset.
- What are the most common MOT failures for the Volkswagen Tiguan?
- The most common reason the Volkswagen Tiguan fails its MOT is suspension — present in 43.4% of failed tests, most often logged as "Pin or bush excessively worn".
- What are the common problems with the Volkswagen Tiguan?
- Going by its MOT results, the most common problem areas on the Volkswagen Tiguan are suspension; tyres; brakes. 26.3% of tests at 15+ years failed on suspension, against 0.6% at 0–3 years.
- What should I check when buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan?
- Start with the areas it most often fails its MOT on: suspension; tyres; brakes; lights and electrics; 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 Tiguan'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.