1986 Volkswagen Transpoter MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Transpoter models manufactured in 1986, based on 32 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1986 Volkswagen Transpoter MOT Analysis
The 1986 Volkswagen Transpoter has an MOT pass rate of 43.8% based on 32 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 27,414 miles on the odometer. With a 56.2% failure rate, the 1986 Transpoter is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1986 Volkswagen Transpoter is Suspension, responsible for 68.8% 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. Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the second most common issue at 31.3%. Brakes follows at 18.8%.
Top failures specific to 1986 models only. The overall Transpoter 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 | 68.8% | 22 |
| 2 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 31.3% | 10 |
| 3 | Brakes | 18.8% | 6 |
| 4 | Body, Chassis, Structure | 6.3% | 2 |
| 5 | Visibility | 6.3% | 2 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 27,414 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 | 25.08 | 68.8% | 22 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 11.40 | 31.3% | 10 |
| Brakes | 6.84 | 18.8% | 6 |
| Body & Structure | 2.28 | 6.3% | 2 |
| Visibility | 2.28 | 6.3% | 2 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1986 Volkswagen Transpoter has an MOT pass rate of 43.8% based on 32 tests — significantly below the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 27,414 miles on the odometer. With a 56.2% failure rate, the 1986 Transpoter is rated as "Very Poor" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1986 Volkswagen Transpoter, 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 relatively low average mileage of 27,414 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Suspension — 68.8% of failures
Suspension issues account for 68.8% of MOT failures on 1986 Volkswagen Transpoter 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.
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment — 31.3% of failures
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment issues account for 31.3% of MOT failures on 1986 Volkswagen Transpoter 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.
Brakes — 18.8% of failures
Brakes issues account for 18.8% of MOT failures on 1986 Volkswagen Transpoter 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.