1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Syncro Transporter models manufactured in 1989, based on 51 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter MOT Analysis
The 1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter has an MOT pass rate of 76.5% based on 51 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 167,299 miles on the odometer. With a 23.5% failure rate, the 1989 Syncro Transporter is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter is Suspension, responsible for 25.5% 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. Brakes is the second most common issue at 9.8%. Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems follows at 7.8%.
Top failures specific to 1989 models only. The overall Syncro Transporter page may show different rankings.
What Fails Most
What Fails on This Car?
Click a category to see specific failure items.
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| Rank | Failure Category | Rate (%) | Count |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension | 25.5% | 13 |
| 2 | Brakes | 9.8% | 5 |
| 3 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 7.8% | 4 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 3.9% | 2 |
| 5 | Steering | 3.9% | 2 |
| 6 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 2.0% | 1 |
| 7 | Non-component Advisories | 2.0% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 167,299 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 | 1.52 | 25.5% | 13 |
| Brakes | 0.59 | 9.8% | 5 |
| Seat Belts | 0.47 | 7.8% | 4 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.23 | 3.9% | 2 |
| Steering | 0.23 | 3.9% | 2 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.12 | 2.0% | 1 |
| Non-component advisories | 0.12 | 2.0% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter has an MOT pass rate of 76.5% based on 51 tests — well above the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 167,299 miles on the odometer. With a 23.5% failure rate, the 1989 Syncro Transporter is rated as "Excellent" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter, you can expect reliable MOT performance overall. 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 167,299 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Suspension — 25.5% of failures
Suspension issues account for 25.5% of MOT failures on 1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter 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.
Brakes — 9.8% of failures
Brakes issues account for 9.8% of MOT failures on 1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter 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).
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems — 7.8% of failures
Seat Belts and Supplementary Restraint Systems issues account for 7.8% of MOT failures on 1989 Volkswagen Syncro Transporter 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.