Volkswagen Lupo MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 6,876 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Lupo carried out in 2023. 40% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 6 in 10 Lupos passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1999 to 2005. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2005 models did best (66% passed, +9.4 points against the average for 18-year-old cars), while 1999 models fared worst (58%, −4.7 points). Tested cars had covered 86,747 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 18.4% of tests (noticeably above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 8.3% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 6,876
- First-time pass rate
- 60%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −11.6 points
- Average mileage at test
- 86,747
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Lupo?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Lupo 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 463 | 66% | 56% | +9.4 points | 77,225 |
| 2004 | 1,152 | 61% | 56% | +5.0 points | 82,358 |
| 2003 | 1,155 | 59% | 57% | +2.0 points | 86,590 |
| 2002 | 1,620 | 60% | 58% | +2.1 points | 87,343 |
| 2001 | 1,201 | 58% | 59% | −0.5 points | 92,677 |
| 2000 | 858 | 60% | 61% | −0.3 points | 88,157 |
| 1999 | 419 | 58% | 62% | −4.7 points | 87,422 |
Why the Volkswagen Lupo fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Lupo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 18.4% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 12.4% | 8.9% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.1% | 3.1% |
| Brakes | 10.9% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 9.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 8.3% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 5.6% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 2.4% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.7% | 1.0% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.7% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working8.3%
- 2projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.6%
- 3has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
- 4Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.3%
- 5inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.9%
- 6pin or bush excessively worn3.7%
- 7does not clear the windscreen effectively3.5%
- 8constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.9%
- 9provides insufficient washer liquid2.9%
- 10efficiency below requirements2.8%
Common Lupo MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Lupo, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 15.8% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 14.9% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 14.4% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 12.7% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 12.6% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 10.6% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 10.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 10.3% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 10.1% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 6.2% |
Tips to help your Lupo pass
Based on where Lupos most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 18.4% of Lupo 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.
Brakes · 10.9% of Lupo 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.
Compare with other models
Is the Lupo ULEZ compliant? See the Volkswagen Lupo ULEZ check, or view all Volkswagen models.
Other Volkswagen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 6,876 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Lupo 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 6,876 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Lupo.
What is the Volkswagen Lupo MOT failure rate?
In our data, 40% of 6,876 first MOT attempts on the Volkswagen Lupo ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volkswagen Lupo fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (18.4% of tests), suspension (12.4% of tests), noise, emissions and leaks (12.1% of tests).
Which Lupo year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2005 cars performed best: 66% passed first time, +9.4 points against the average for 18-year-old cars. The weakest was 1999, at 58% (−4.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Volkswagen Lupo covered at its MOT?
The average was 86,747 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2005 cars averaged 77,225 miles and 1999 cars 87,422.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volkswagen Lupo?
"pin or bush excessively worn" was recorded on 15.8% of tests, in the suspension area. 12.4% of Lupos failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Lupo's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 6,876 Lupos in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 58% to 66% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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
- MOT · 4 min readDashboard warning lights and the MOT: which ones mean a fail?An engine, ABS or airbag light that stays on is a major defect at the MOT, even if the car drives perfectly. Which lights testers check, and what to do first.Read the guide
Check any Lupo's MOT history
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