1973 Volkswagen 1303s MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for 1303s models manufactured in 1973, based on 33 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1973 Volkswagen 1303s MOT Analysis
The 1973 Volkswagen 1303s has an MOT pass rate of 42.4% based on 33 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 60,008 miles on the odometer. With a 57.6% failure rate, the 1973 1303s is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1973 Volkswagen 1303s is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 15.2% of failures. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs range from £5–50. Tyres is the second most common issue at 3.0%. Visibility follows at 3.0%.
Top failures specific to 1973 models only. The overall 1303s page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
View as table
| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 15.2% | 5 |
| 2 | Tyres | 3.0% | 1 |
| 3 | Visibility | 3.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 60,008 miFor every 10,000 miles driven, this shows what percentage of MOT tests fail for each category. This accounts for how far cars are actually driven, not just raw pass/fail counts.
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| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 2.52 | 15.2% | 5 |
| Tyres | 0.50 | 3.0% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.50 | 3.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1973 Volkswagen 1303s has an MOT pass rate of 42.4% based on 33 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 60,008 miles on the odometer. With a 57.6% failure rate, the 1973 1303s is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1973 Volkswagen 1303s, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test. At 60,008 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 15.2% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 15.2% of MOT failures on 1973 Volkswagen 1303s models. Lighting failures cover all external lights: headlights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights, and reflectors. A single blown bulb will cause an MOT fail. This is one of the most preventable failure categories. Typical repair costs: £5–50. Pre-MOT check: Walk around the car and check every light — headlights (dipped and main beam), side lights, tail lights, brake lights, indicators, hazard lights, reverse light, rear fog light, and number plate lights. Replace any blown bulbs before the test.
Tyres — 3.0% of failures
Tyres issues account for 3.0% of MOT failures on 1973 Volkswagen 1303s models. Tyre failures include tread depth below the legal minimum of 1.6mm, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, and incorrect tyre pressure. Tyres are one of the most common and easiest-to-prevent MOT failures. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per tyre. Pre-MOT check: Check tread depth with a 20p coin — if the outer band is visible, the tyre is too worn. Look for bulges, cuts, or embedded objects. Ensure all tyres match the recommended size and load rating.
Visibility — 3.0% of failures
Visibility issues account for 3.0% of MOT failures on 1973 Volkswagen 1303s models. Visibility failures relate to the windscreen, wipers, washers, mirrors, and view-obstructing damage. Cracks in the windscreen swept area, ineffective wipers, or empty washer bottles are common causes. Typical repair costs: £10–300. Pre-MOT check: Check the windscreen for chips and cracks — damage larger than 10mm in the driver's swept area or 40mm elsewhere will fail. Test washers and wipers. Ensure both door mirrors are intact and adjustable.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.