1971 Volkswagen Caravanette MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Caravanette models manufactured in 1971, based on 169 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1971 Volkswagen Caravanette MOT Analysis
The 1971 Volkswagen Caravanette has an MOT pass rate of 52.7% based on 169 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 58,526 miles on the odometer. With a 47.3% failure rate, the 1971 Caravanette is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1971 Volkswagen Caravanette is Brakes, responsible for 2.4% of failures. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs range from £150–400. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 2.4%. Tyres follows at 1.2%.
Top failures specific to 1971 models only. The overall Caravanette 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 | Brakes | 2.4% | 4 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 2.4% | 4 |
| 3 | Tyres | 1.2% | 2 |
| 4 | Visibility | 1.2% | 2 |
| 5 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 0.6% | 1 |
| 6 | Steering | 0.6% | 1 |
| 7 | Suspension | 0.6% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 58,526 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.40 | 2.4% | 4 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.40 | 2.4% | 4 |
| Tyres | 0.20 | 1.2% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.20 | 1.2% | 2 |
| Seat Belts | 0.10 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Steering | 0.10 | 0.6% | 1 |
| Suspension | 0.10 | 0.6% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1971 Volkswagen Caravanette has an MOT pass rate of 52.7% based on 169 tests — below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 58,526 miles on the odometer. With a 47.3% failure rate, the 1971 Caravanette is rated as "Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1971 Volkswagen Caravanette, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm). At 58,526 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Brakes — 2.4% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.4% of MOT failures on 1971 Volkswagen Caravanette models. Brake-related failures include worn brake pads, corroded brake discs, leaking brake lines, and faulty brake servos. These are safety-critical components — any brake deficiency will result in an MOT fail. Typical repair costs: £150–400. Pre-MOT check: Listen for squealing or grinding noises. Check brake pedal feel — if it feels spongy or goes to the floor, have the system inspected immediately. Look at brake pad thickness through the wheel spokes (minimum 3mm).
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 2.4% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 2.4% of MOT failures on 1971 Volkswagen Caravanette 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 — 1.2% of failures
Tyres issues account for 1.2% of MOT failures on 1971 Volkswagen Caravanette 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.