1963 Volkswagen Microbus MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Microbus models manufactured in 1963, based on 33 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1963 Volkswagen Microbus MOT Analysis
The 1963 Volkswagen Microbus 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 20,452 miles on the odometer. With a 57.6% failure rate, the 1963 Microbus is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1963 Volkswagen Microbus is Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment, responsible for 18.2% 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. Steering is the second most common issue at 12.1%. Driver's View of the Road follows at 6.1%.
Top failures specific to 1963 models only. The overall Microbus 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 | 21.2% | 7 |
| 2 | Steering | 12.1% | 4 |
| 3 | Driver's View Of The Road | 6.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 3.0% | 1 |
| 5 | Registration Plates And Vin | 3.0% | 1 |
| 6 | Body, Structure And General Items | 3.0% | 1 |
| 7 | Brakes | 3.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 20,452 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 | 10.37 | 21.2% | 7 |
| Steering | 5.93 | 12.1% | 4 |
| Visibility | 2.96 | 6.1% | 2 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 1.48 | 3.0% | 1 |
| Registration Plates and VIN | 1.48 | 3.0% | 1 |
| Body & Structure | 1.48 | 3.0% | 1 |
| Brakes | 1.48 | 3.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1963 Volkswagen Microbus 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 20,452 miles on the odometer. With a 57.6% failure rate, the 1963 Microbus is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1963 Volkswagen Microbus, 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 relatively low average mileage of 20,452 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 18.2% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 18.2% of MOT failures on 1963 Volkswagen Microbus 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.
Steering — 12.1% of failures
Steering issues account for 12.1% of MOT failures on 1963 Volkswagen Microbus 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.
Driver's View of the Road — 6.1% of failures
Driver's View of the Road issues account for 6.1% of MOT failures on 1963 Volkswagen Microbus models. Driver's View of the Road issues are a common cause of MOT failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of these components helps ensure your vehicle passes its MOT. Typical repair costs: £100–400. Pre-MOT check: Have this system checked during regular servicing. Look for warning signs like unusual noises, vibrations, or dashboard warning lights.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.