1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Passat Se 20v models manufactured in 1998, based on 253 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
This page shows all Passat Se 20v cars tested in 1998. Want to see how cars built in 1998 hold up over time?
View 1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v vintage page → (36.7% current pass rate)1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v MOT Analysis
The 1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v has an MOT pass rate of 36.4% based on 253 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 129,288 miles on the odometer. With a 63.6% failure rate, the 1998 Passat Se 20v is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v is Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions, responsible for 0.8% of failures. 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 range from £100–1,000+. Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment is the second most common issue at 0.4%.
Top failures specific to 1998 models only. The overall Passat Se 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 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 0.8% | 2 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.4% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 129,288 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.06 | 0.8% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.03 | 0.4% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v has an MOT pass rate of 36.4% based on 253 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 129,288 miles on the odometer. With a 63.6% failure rate, the 1998 Passat Se 20v is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v, be prepared for above-average maintenance costs. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to exhaust, fuel and emissions: 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. With an average mileage of 129,288 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 0.8% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 0.8% of MOT failures on 1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v 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.
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment — 0.4% of failures
Lamps, Reflectors and Electrical Equipment issues account for 0.4% of MOT failures on 1998 Volkswagen Passat Se 20v 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.