1987 Volkswagen Caravelle — MOT failures & pass rate
2,145 MOT tests on the 1987 Volkswagen Caravelle are in this dataset, and 73.7% of them passed. MPVs of a similar age fail at 27.2%, so the 1987 Caravelle sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in lighting & signalling, suspension and brakes.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — lighting & signalling (13.7%) and suspension (10.9%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are component mounting prescribed areas, service brake performance and wipers — component mounting prescribed areas alone was recorded 231 times.
Mileage matters less than usual here: the 1987 Caravelle fails 24.7% of the time in the 0-30k band and 27.6% at 150k+, a spread of only 3.0 points.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: suspension was flagged on 33.5% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lighting & signalling | 13.7% | 294 |
| 2 | Suspension | 10.9% | 233 |
| 3 | Brakes | 9.3% | 200 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 7.5% | 161 |
| 5 | Visibility | 7.2% | 155 |
| 6 | Steering | 5.6% | 120 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 231 |
| 2 | Service brake performance | 104 |
| 3 | Wipers | 96 |
| 4 | Headlamp aim | 93 |
| 5 | Steering rack | 93 |
| 6 | Washers | 91 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 33.5% | 718 |
| 2 | Brakes | 30.3% | 649 |
| 3 | Body, structure & corrosion | 16.1% | 346 |
| 4 | Tyres | 14.8% | 317 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 13.3% | 286 |
| 6 | Lighting & signalling | 9.6% | 205 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 150 | 24.7% |
| 30-60k | 180 | 30.0% |
| 60-90k | 414 | 25.6% |
| 90-120k | 550 | 25.4% |
| 120-150k | 470 | 26.0% |
| 150k+ | 380 | 27.6% |
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 2,075 | 26.2% |
| Diesel | 70 | 30.0% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 458 | 26.9% |
| 2022 | 462 | 27.1% |
| 2023 | 422 | 25.1% |
| 2024 | 402 | 25.9% |
| 2025 | 401 | 26.7% |
What to check before buying a 1987 Caravelle
On a 1987 Caravelle, lighting & signalling is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 13.7% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Lighting & signalling (13.7% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (10.9% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
- Brakes (9.3% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 1987 Volkswagen Caravelles pass their MOT?
73.7% of the 2,145 1987 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 26.3% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 1987 Volkswagen Caravelle?
Lighting & signalling, recorded in 13.7% of tests, followed by suspension (10.9%).
Does the 1987 Caravelle get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 24.7% in the 0-30k band to 27.6% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 2,145 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.