Volkswagen Transporter T32 Startline Tdi
VanFrom 2,096 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Older Transporter T32 Startline Tdis fare better: 2021 models pass at 78.6% vs 80.7% for 2020.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, a tyre seriously damaged and a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm. The top issue, a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, caused 69 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage | 69 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 67 |
| a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 41 |
| wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen | 35 |
| engine mil illuminated indicating a malfunction | 29 |
| stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning | 27 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 26 |
| a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 26 |
| windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view | 25 |
| a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 20 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 34% of Transporter T32 Startline Tdi failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 36.7% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. Breakdown cover may be worth considering for this model. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £118.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 78.6% | a tyre seriously damaged, a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage |
| 2020 | 80.7% | a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2019 | 80% | a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened |
Typical mileage
Half of all Transporter T32 Startline Tdis tested had between 33,146 and 96,633 miles on the clock.
At 56,077 median miles, the Transporter T32 Startline Tdi has 0.037 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Volkswagen models
| Volkswagen Golf | 79.1% |
| Volkswagen Polo | 73.8% |
| Volkswagen Transporter | 73.8% |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 84.6% |
| Volkswagen Passat | 76.9% |
Common questions
What is the Volkswagen Transporter T32 Startline Tdi MOT pass rate?
The Volkswagen Transporter T32 Startline Tdi has a 79.4% MOT pass rate based on 2,096 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Volkswagen Transporter T32 Startline Tdi?
The most common MOT failure on the Volkswagen Transporter T32 Startline Tdi is a shock absorber damaged to the extent that it does not function or showing signs of severe leakage, which caused 69 failures. Other common issues include a tyre seriously damaged.
What is the typical mileage of a Volkswagen Transporter T32 Startline Tdi at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Volkswagen Transporter T32 Startline Tdi is 56,077 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 33,146 and 96,633 miles.
Buying a used Transporter T32 Startline Tdi?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 79.4% pass rate and an average repair bill of £118 when things go wrong, budget accordingly. 34% of failures on this model could actually strand you, so breakdown cover may be worth considering.
Van insurance works differently to car insurance. Make sure you're comparing like-for-like quotes for your use case. Compare van insurance.
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MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.