83.1%
pass rate across 68,579 tests
79.9% first-time pass rate
78,928 mi median at test
Volkswagen Transporter 2016 vs 2019
The same model, 3 years apart, compared on 129,905 real MOT tests. The raw pass rate mostly measures age; the like-for-like row and the mileage bands show what survives that adjustment.
86.7%
pass rate across 61,326 tests
84.9% first-time pass rate
49,293 mi median at test
The short answer
The 2019 Transporter passes more — but most of it is age
Across 129,905 tests, the 2019 Transporter passes 86.7% of MOTs and the 2016 83.1%. The 2019 vans are 3 years newer and were tested at a median 49,293 miles against 78,928, so part of that gap is simply age and use. Against what their age and mileage predict, the 2019 is −2.8 points and the 2016 −0.9 — a like-for-like gap of −1.9 points. Most of the raw advantage disappears once the two are matched. Typical repair bills are £34–£88 on the 2016 and £37–£95 on the 2019. The two bills are close. Repairs under £30 account for 36% of the 2016's recorded faults and 31% of the 2019's. Both years fail most often on windscreen.
- Pass rate: 83.1% vs 86.7%
- Tests: 68,579 vs 61,326
- Like-for-like: −0.9 vs −2.8 pts
- Median mileage: 78,928 vs 49,293 mi
- Typical repair: £34–£88 vs £37–£95
- Cheap fixes: 36% vs 31%
| Measure | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| MOT tests on record | 68,579 | 61,326 |
| Pass rate, all MOTs | 83.1% | 86.7% stronger figure |
| First-time pass rate | 79.9% | 84.9% stronger figure |
| Against the UK average | −0.9 pts stronger figure | −2.8 pts |
| Like-for-like, age and mileage adjusted | −0.9 pts stronger figure | −2.8 pts |
| Average mileage at test | 85,858 mi | 56,461 mi |
| Median mileage at test | 78,928 mi | 49,293 mi |
| Typical repair bill | £34–£88 stronger figure | £37–£95 |
| Repairs under £30 | 36% stronger figure | 31% |
| Most common failing part | Windscreen | Windscreen |
| Variants recorded | 2 | 20 |
| Main fuel | Diesel 100% | Diesel 97% |
A ✓ marks the stronger figure in each row. It compares the two model years, not either one against the national average.
What goes wrong most often
The most common priced failures on each year, as a share of that year's tests. Repair costs are estimates from UK parts data, not quotes.
2016 Transporter
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 4.9% £80–£200
- Coil spring fractured or broken 3.9% £25–£65
- Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources 2.8% £5–£20
- Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction 2.1% £3–£12
- Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS fault 1.8% £3–£15
2019 Transporter
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view 4.1% £80–£200
- Coil spring fractured or broken 2.3% £25–£65
- Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction 2.2% £3–£12
- Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources 2.0% £5–£20
- Has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords 1.4% £45–£95
Does the gap hold at higher mileage?
Pass rate by the mileage recorded at test. If the lead shrinks in the high-mileage bands, part of the headline difference was a younger, lower-mileage sample.
| Mileage | 2016 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|
| 0–30,000 mi | 90.0% · 2,888 tests | 92.2% · 13,104 tests |
| 30,000–60,000 mi | 85.1% · 17,264 tests | 87.1% · 25,417 tests |
| 60,000–90,000 mi | 82.9% · 21,444 tests | 83.9% · 13,733 tests |
| 90,000–120,000 mi | 81.2% · 14,712 tests | 82.6% · 5,909 tests |
| 120,000+ mi | 81.1% · 12,203 tests | 80.9% · 3,146 tests |
What to check before you buy
2016 Volkswagen Transporter
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 4.9% of tests · £80–£200
- Coil spring fractured or broken — 3.9% of tests · £25–£65
- Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources — 2.8% of tests · £5–£20
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
2019 Volkswagen Transporter
- Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view — 4.1% of tests · £80–£200
- Coil spring fractured or broken — 2.3% of tests · £25–£65
- Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction — 2.2% of tests · £3–£12
- Check the MOT history for the exact vehicle, not just the model year.
Compare another pair of years for the Volkswagen Transporter? Pick two years →
Compare a different pair of years? Pick two years of the Volkswagen Transporter →
Or put the Transporter against another model: Compare the Volkswagen Transporter side by side →