Volkswagen Transporter: brakes MOT failures
Brakes was a recorded failure area in 7.4% of Volkswagen Transporter MOT tests in this dataset. It is most prominent on 1996, 1997 cars.
Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair cost: £100–£350 per axle (rough UK ballpark, not a quote).
Brakes failures by year
| Model year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 1992 | 7,135 | 12.2% |
| 1993 | 7,007 | 11.9% |
| 1994 | 12,078 | 12.4% |
| 1995 | 14,050 | 13.4% |
| 1996 | 17,084 | 14.3% |
| 1997 | 20,395 | 14.0% |
| 1998 | 25,582 | 13.6% |
| 1999 | 27,817 | 13.0% |
| 2000 | 31,702 | 13.7% |
| 2001 | 43,660 | 12.9% |
| 2003 | 47,355 | 12.3% |
| 2004 | 62,253 | 12.7% |
| 2016 | 116,426 | 3.6% |
| 2018 | 110,666 | 2.2% |
| 2019 | 61,818 | 2.0% |
Methodology & source. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-01. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.