1973 Volkswagen Kombi MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Kombi models manufactured in 1973, based on 54 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1973 Volkswagen Kombi MOT Analysis
The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi has an MOT pass rate of 70.4% based on 54 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 42,397 miles on the odometer. With a 29.6% failure rate, the 1973 Kombi is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1973 Volkswagen Kombi is Steering, responsible for 3.7% of failures. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs range from £150–600. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 1.9%. Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems follows at 1.9%.
Top failures specific to 1973 models only. The overall Kombi 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 | Steering | 3.7% | 2 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.9% | 1 |
| 3 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 1.9% | 1 |
| 4 | Visibility | 1.9% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 42,397 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 0.87 | 3.7% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.44 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Seat Belts | 0.44 | 1.9% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.44 | 1.9% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi has an MOT pass rate of 70.4% based on 54 tests — above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 42,397 miles on the odometer. With a 29.6% failure rate, the 1973 Kombi is rated as "Very Good" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to steering: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels. With relatively low average mileage of 42,397 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Steering — 3.7% of failures
Steering issues account for 3.7% of MOT failures on 1973 Volkswagen Kombi models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 1.9% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 1973 Volkswagen Kombi 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.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 1.9% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 1.9% of MOT failures on 1973 Volkswagen Kombi models. Seat belt failures include frayed or cut webbing, faulty retractors, buckles that don't latch properly, and missing or damaged anchorages. All fitted seat belts must be functional. Typical repair costs: £50–200 per belt. Pre-MOT check: Pull each seat belt fully out and check for fraying, cuts, or fading. Ensure each belt retracts smoothly and the buckle clicks securely. Check the pre-tensioner warning light on the dashboard.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.