1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Kombi 8 Seater models manufactured in 1978, based on 52 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater MOT Analysis
The 1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater has an MOT pass rate of 46.2% based on 52 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 53,240 miles on the odometer. With a 53.8% failure rate, the 1978 Kombi 8 Seater is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater is Suspension, responsible for 11.5% of failures. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs range from £200–500. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment is the second most common issue at 9.6%. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions follows at 3.8%.
Top failures specific to 1978 models only. The overall Kombi 8 Seater 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 | Suspension | 11.5% | 6 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 9.6% | 5 |
| 3 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 3.8% | 2 |
| 4 | Steering | 3.8% | 2 |
| 5 | Driver's View Of The Road | 1.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 53,240 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 2.17 | 11.5% | 6 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 1.81 | 9.6% | 5 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.72 | 3.8% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.72 | 3.8% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.36 | 1.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater has an MOT pass rate of 46.2% based on 52 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 53,240 miles on the odometer. With a 53.8% failure rate, the 1978 Kombi 8 Seater is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to suspension: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks. At 53,240 average miles, these vehicles are in the mid-range where component wear starts to become a factor.
Suspension — 11.5% of failures
Suspension issues account for 11.5% of MOT failures on 1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater models. Suspension failures typically involve worn bushes, leaking shock absorbers, broken coil springs, and damaged suspension arms. These affect ride quality, tyre wear, and road holding. Typical repair costs: £200–500. Pre-MOT check: Look for uneven tyre wear, listen for clunking over bumps, and check if the car pulls to one side. A bouncy ride suggests worn shock absorbers. Visually inspect coil springs for cracks.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 9.6% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 9.6% of MOT failures on 1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater 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.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 3.8% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 3.8% of MOT failures on 1978 Volkswagen Kombi 8 Seater 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.