1987 Volkswagen Camper Van MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Camper Van models manufactured in 1987, based on 259 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1987 Volkswagen Camper Van MOT Analysis
The 1987 Volkswagen Camper Van has an MOT pass rate of 53.7% based on 259 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 115,988 miles on the odometer. With a 46.3% failure rate, the 1987 Camper Van is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1987 Volkswagen Camper Van is Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, responsible for 5.8% 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. Noise, emissions and leaks is the second most common issue at 3.9%. Visibility follows at 3.5%.
Top failures specific to 1987 models only. The overall Camper Van 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 | 5.8% | 15 |
| 2 | Noise, Emissions And Leaks | 3.9% | 10 |
| 3 | Visibility | 3.5% | 9 |
| 4 | Brakes | 3.5% | 9 |
| 5 | Tyres | 2.3% | 6 |
| 6 | Suspension | 1.9% | 5 |
| 7 | Non-component Advisories | 1.5% | 4 |
| 8 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 1.5% | 4 |
| 9 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.8% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 115,988 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.
View as table
| Category | Rate / 10K mi | Raw % | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.50 | 5.8% | 15 |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.33 | 3.9% | 10 |
| Visibility | 0.30 | 3.5% | 9 |
| Brakes | 0.30 | 3.5% | 9 |
| Tyres | 0.20 | 2.3% | 6 |
| Suspension | 0.17 | 1.9% | 5 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.13 | 1.5% | 4 |
| Body & Structure | 0.13 | 1.5% | 4 |
| Seat Belts | 0.07 | 0.8% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1987 Volkswagen Camper Van has an MOT pass rate of 53.7% based on 259 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 115,988 miles on the odometer. With a 46.3% failure rate, the 1987 Camper Van is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1987 Volkswagen Camper Van, 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. With an average mileage of 115,988 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 5.8% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 5.8% of MOT failures on 1987 Volkswagen Camper Van 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.
Noise, emissions and leaks — 3.9% of failures
Noise, emissions and leaks issues account for 3.9% of MOT failures on 1987 Volkswagen Camper Van models. Emissions failures occur when exhaust gases exceed legal limits for carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC), or particulate matter (diesel). Common causes include faulty oxygen sensors, clogged catalytic converters, or DPF issues on diesel vehicles. Typical repair costs: £100–1,000+. Pre-MOT check: If the engine management light is on, get it diagnosed before the MOT. For diesel cars, ensure the DPF has completed a regeneration cycle. Regular servicing and using premium fuel before the test can help.
Visibility — 3.5% of failures
Visibility issues account for 3.5% of MOT failures on 1987 Volkswagen Camper Van 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.