2021 Volkswagen Transporter T32 — MOT failures & pass rate
Across 1,436 MOT tests, the 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T32 recorded an 89.8% pass rate. All cars of a similar age fail 8.6% of the time, so this is 1.6pp worse than the group it competes with. Failures cluster in tyres, lighting & signalling and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (4.4%) and lighting & signalling (3.1%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, brake pads and shock absorbers — headlamp aim alone was recorded 37 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 6.5% in the 0-30k band and 17.4% in the 90-120k band, a 10.9-point spread — more than double.
Tyres is the most common advisory, noted on 14.9% of tests — work that passed today but is likely due soon.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 4.4% | 63 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 3.1% | 44 |
| 3 | Suspension | 2.6% | 37 |
| 4 | Brakes | 2.3% | 33 |
| 5 | Emissions & environmental | 1.7% | 25 |
| 6 | Visibility | 1.3% | 19 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 37 |
| 2 | Brake pads | 35 |
| 3 | Shock absorbers | 30 |
| 4 | Malfunction indicator lamp | 25 |
| 5 | Tread depth | 16 |
| 6 | Washers | 13 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 14.9% | 214 |
| 2 | Brakes | 11.1% | 159 |
| 3 | Other defects | 6.1% | 88 |
| 4 | Visibility | 4.3% | 62 |
| 5 | Suspension | 4.2% | 60 |
| 6 | Seat belts & restraints | 1.2% | 17 |
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 | 526 | 6.5% |
| 30-60k | 658 | 12.0% |
| 60-90k | 192 | 12.5% |
| 90-120k | 46 | 17.4% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 692 | 11.4% |
| 2025 | 697 | 9.6% |
What to check before buying a 2021 Transporter T32
The failure pattern for this year is specific enough to inspect against: tyres accounted for 4.4% of tests. Start there.
- Tyres (4.4% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Lighting & signalling (3.1% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (2.6% 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.
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 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T32s pass their MOT?
89.8% of the 1,436 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T32 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 10.2% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2021 Volkswagen Transporter T32?
Tyres, recorded in 4.4% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (3.1%).
Does the 2021 Transporter T32 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 6.5% in the 0-30k band to 17.4% in the 90-120k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 1,436 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.