1971 Volkswagen Variant MOT Pass Rate
Pass rate for Variant models manufactured in 1971, based on 185 real MOT test results.
Data from official DVSA MOT testing records
1971 Volkswagen Variant MOT Analysis
The 1971 Volkswagen Variant has an MOT pass rate of 64.9% based on 185 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 45,735 miles on the odometer. With a 35.1% failure rate, the 1971 Variant is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
The leading cause of MOT failure for the 1971 Volkswagen Variant is Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, responsible for 1.6% of failures. 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 range from £50–200 per belt. Steering is the second most common issue at 1.1%. Suspension follows at 1.1%.
Top failures specific to 1971 models only. The overall Variant 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 | Seat Belts And Supplementary Restraint Systems | 1.6% | 3 |
| 2 | Steering | 1.1% | 2 |
| 3 | Suspension | 1.1% | 2 |
| 4 | Lamps, Reflectors And Electrical Equipment | 0.5% | 1 |
| 5 | Visibility | 0.5% | 1 |
Failures per 10,000 Miles
avg. 45,735 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Belts | 0.35 | 1.6% | 3 |
| Steering | 0.24 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Suspension | 0.24 | 1.1% | 2 |
| Lamps & Electrical | 0.12 | 0.5% | 1 |
| Visibility | 0.12 | 0.5% | 1 |
Mileage Statistics
Mileage-adjusted failure rate — accounts for how much this model year is typically driven.
About This Data
The 1971 Volkswagen Variant has an MOT pass rate of 64.9% based on 185 tests — around the UK average for UK vehicles. Cars of this vintage present for MOT with an average of 45,735 miles on the odometer. With a 35.1% failure rate, the 1971 Variant is rated as "Average" for MOT reliability.
If you own or are considering buying a 1971 Volkswagen Variant, budget for potential repairs before each MOT. Before your MOT, pay particular attention to seat belts and supplementary restraint systems: 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. With relatively low average mileage of 45,735 miles, many of these vehicles are still in good mechanical condition.
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems — 1.6% of failures
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems issues account for 1.6% of MOT failures on 1971 Volkswagen Variant 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.
Steering — 1.1% of failures
Steering issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1971 Volkswagen Variant models. Steering failures include excessive play in the steering wheel, leaking power steering fluid, worn track rod ends, and damaged steering rack. These affect vehicle control and are closely related to suspension wear. Typical repair costs: £150–600. Pre-MOT check: Check for excessive steering wheel play (more than a few inches of free movement). Listen for whining from the power steering pump. Look for fluid leaks under the car near the front wheels.
Suspension — 1.1% of failures
Suspension issues account for 1.1% of MOT failures on 1971 Volkswagen Variant 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.