Volkswagen Amarok MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 21,413 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Amarok carried out in 2023. 22% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Amaroks passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2011 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2013 models did best (71% passed, +3.2 points against the average for 10-year-old cars), while 2017 models fared worst (79%, −2.3 points). Tested cars had covered 82,820 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was brakes, found on 7.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.8% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 3.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 21,413
- First-time pass rate
- 78%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +6.7 points
- Average mileage at test
- 82,820
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Amarok?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Amarok MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1,773 | 87% | 88% | −0.3 points | 42,864 |
| 2019 | 3,292 | 85% | 86% | −0.8 points | 52,861 |
| 2018 | 2,757 | 82% | 84% | −2.2 points | 66,686 |
| 2017 | 2,280 | 79% | 82% | −2.3 points | 76,290 |
| 2016 | 2,506 | 79% | 79% | +0.2 points | 86,231 |
| 2015 | 2,819 | 75% | 75% | −0.9 points | 95,092 |
| 2014 | 2,297 | 73% | 72% | +1.3 points | 105,052 |
| 2013 | 1,838 | 71% | 68% | +3.2 points | 116,737 |
| 2012 | 1,259 | 67% | 66% | +1.4 points | 120,273 |
| 2011 | 584 | 65% | 63% | +1.9 points | 126,221 |
Why the Volkswagen Amarok fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Amarok | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7.8% | 6.8% |
| Lights and electrics | 7.5% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 4.6% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 3.0% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 3.0% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 2.5% | 4.8% |
| Steering | 1.6% | 1.8% |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.6% | 0.4% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.6% | 1.0% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working3.3%
- 2inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.7%
- 3efficiency below requirements2.4%
- 4excessively binding1.9%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick1.9%
- 6has a serious fluid leak1.5%
- 7pin or bush excessively worn1.5%
- 8fractured or broken1.4%
- 9inoperative on one side1.3%
- 10tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
Common Amarok MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Amarok, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 12.3% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 7.0% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.9% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 3.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 2.6% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.1% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.0% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 1.9% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 1.8% |
Tips to help your Amarok pass
Based on where Amaroks most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 7.8% of Amarok tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Lights and electrics · 7.5% of Amarok tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Compare with other models
Is the Amarok ULEZ compliant? See the Volkswagen Amarok ULEZ check, or view all Volkswagen models.
Other Volkswagen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 21,413 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Amarok carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 21,413 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Amarok.
What is the Volkswagen Amarok MOT failure rate?
In our data, 22% of 21,413 first MOT attempts on the Volkswagen Amarok ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volkswagen Amarok fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were brakes (7.8% of tests), lights and electrics (7.5% of tests), suspension (4.6% of tests).
Which Amarok year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2013 cars performed best: 71% passed first time, +3.2 points against the average for 10-year-old cars. The weakest was 2017, at 79% (−2.3 points).
How many miles had a typical Volkswagen Amarok covered at its MOT?
The average was 82,820 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 42,864 miles and 2011 cars 126,221.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volkswagen Amarok?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 12.3% of tests, in the tyres area. 3.0% of Amaroks failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Amarok's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 21,413 Amaroks in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 65% to 87% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
Check any Amarok's MOT history
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