1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Transporter 78ps models manufactured in 1991, based on 84 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps MOT Analysis
The 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps has an MOT pass rate of 59.5% based on 84 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 140,238 miles on the odometer. With a 40.5% failure rate, the 1991 Transporter 78ps is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps is Brakes, responsible for 8.3% of failures. 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 range from £150–400. Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions is the second most common issue at 3.6%. Suspension follows at 3.6%.
Top failures specific to 1991 models only. The overall Transporter 78ps 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 | Brakes | 8.3% | 7 |
| 2 | Exhaust, Fuel And Emissions | 3.6% | 3 |
| 3 | Suspension | 3.6% | 3 |
| 4 | Body, Structure And General Items | 2.4% | 2 |
| 5 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 1.2% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 140,238 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 0.59 | 8.3% | 7 |
| Emissions & Exhaust | 0.25 | 3.6% | 3 |
| Suspension | 0.25 | 3.6% | 3 |
| Body & Structure | 0.17 | 2.4% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.08 | 1.2% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps has an MOT pass rate of 59.5% based on 84 tests — slightly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 140,238 miles on the odometer. With a 40.5% failure rate, the 1991 Transporter 78ps is rated as "Below Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to brakes: 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). With an average mileage of 140,238 miles, these vehicles are in the higher-mileage bracket where wear-related failures become more common.
Brakes — 8.3% of failures
Brakes issues account for 8.3% of MOT failures on 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps 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).
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions — 3.6% of failures
Exhaust, Fuel and Emissions issues account for 3.6% of MOT failures on 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps 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.
Suspension — 3.6% of failures
Suspension issues account for 3.6% of MOT failures on 1991 Volkswagen Transporter 78ps 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.
Based on DVSA anonymised MOT test data (2005–2024). Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.