1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Passat S 20v models manufactured in 1998, based on 96 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Passat S 20v cars tested in 1998. Want to see how cars built in 1998 hold up over time?
View 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v vintage page → (42.0% current pass rate)1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v MOT Analysis
The 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v has an MOT pass rate of 43.8% based on 96 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 132,295 miles on the odometer. With a 56.2% failure rate, the 1998 Passat S 20v is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v is Suspension, responsible for 3.1% 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. Tyres is the second most common issue at 3.1%. Brakes follows at 2.1%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall Passat S 20v 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 | 3.1% | 3 |
| 2 | Tyres | 3.1% | 3 |
| 3 | Brakes | 2.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Driver's View Of The Road | 2.1% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 132,295 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 0.24 | 3.1% | 3 |
| Tyres | 0.24 | 3.1% | 3 |
| Brakes | 0.16 | 2.1% | 2 |
| Visibility | 0.16 | 2.1% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v has an MOT pass rate of 43.8% based on 96 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 132,295 miles on the odometer. With a 56.2% failure rate, the 1998 Passat S 20v is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v, 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. With an average mileage of 132,295 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 3.1% of failures
Suspension issues account for 3.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v 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.
Tyres — 3.1% of failures
Tyres issues account for 3.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v 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.
Brakes — 2.1% of failures
Brakes issues account for 2.1% of MOT failures on 1998 Volkswagen Passat S 20v 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).
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.