Volkswagen Arteon MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,563 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Arteon carried out in 2023. 13% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 9 in 10 Arteons passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2017 to 2020. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2017 models did best (89% passed, +6.9 points against the average for 6-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (86%, −1.9 points). Tested cars had covered 41,558 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was tyres, found on 7.8% of tests (roughly in line with the 6.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords", on 2.6% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,563
- First-time pass rate
- 87%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +15.5 points
- Average mileage at test
- 41,558
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Arteon?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Arteon 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 | 1,508 | 86% | 88% | −1.9 points | 29,703 |
| 2019 | 2,379 | 87% | 86% | +1.2 points | 39,001 |
| 2018 | 2,092 | 87% | 84% | +2.4 points | 50,407 |
| 2017 | 534 | 89% | 82% | +6.9 points | 53,230 |
Why the Volkswagen Arteon fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Arteon | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 7.8% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 2.0% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 1.4% | 8.9% |
| Lights and electrics | 1.2% | 11.3% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.9% | 1.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.8% | 3.1% |
| Visibility | 0.7% | 4.8% |
| Body and structure | 0.2% | 3.5% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
| Road Wheels | 0.1% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.6%
- 2has ply or cords exposed2.5%
- 3has a serious fluid leak1.3%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
- 5has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure1.1%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
- 7warning lamp indicates a fault0.8%
- 8inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%
- 9has a lump, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
- 10has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.5%
Common Arteon MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Arteon, 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 | 13.0% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 8.9% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.7% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 5.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 5.5% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 3.6% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.4% |
| has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 2.3% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 2.0% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 1.7% |
Tips to help your Arteon pass
Based on where Arteons most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Brakes · 2.0% of Arteon 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 · 1.2% of Arteon 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 Arteon ULEZ compliant? See the Volkswagen Arteon ULEZ check, or view all Volkswagen models.
Other Volkswagen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,563 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Arteon 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 6,563 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Arteon.
What is the Volkswagen Arteon MOT failure rate?
In our data, 13% of 6,563 first MOT attempts on the Volkswagen Arteon ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volkswagen Arteon fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were tyres (7.8% of tests), brakes (2.0% of tests), suspension (1.4% of tests).
Which Arteon year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2017 cars performed best: 89% passed first time, +6.9 points against the average for 6-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 86% (−1.9 points).
How many miles had a typical Volkswagen Arteon covered at its MOT?
The average was 41,558 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2020 cars averaged 29,703 miles and 2017 cars 53,230.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volkswagen Arteon?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 13.0% of tests, in the tyres area. 7.8% of Arteons failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Arteon's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,563 Arteons in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 86% to 89% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
- 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 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 Arteon's MOT history
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