Volkswagen Tiguan MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 218,583 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Tiguan carried out in 2023. 18% failed at the first attempt, which is well below the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 8 in 10 Tiguans passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2008 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2016 models did best (85% passed, +6.8 points against the average for 7-year-old cars), while 2020 models fared worst (88%, +0.7 points). Tested cars had covered 59,864 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was suspension, found on 6.1% of tests (slightly below the 8.9% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm", on 2.5% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 218,583
- First-time pass rate
- 82%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- +10.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 59,864
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular Tiguan?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
Tiguan 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,063 | 92% | 91% | +1.1 points | 25,056 |
| 2020 | 24,879 | 88% | 88% | +0.7 points | 26,208 |
| 2019 | 35,269 | 89% | 86% | +2.9 points | 33,726 |
| 2018 | 29,729 | 88% | 84% | +3.9 points | 43,737 |
| 2017 | 26,560 | 87% | 82% | +5.3 points | 53,968 |
| 2016 | 18,689 | 85% | 79% | +6.8 points | 60,769 |
| 2015 | 20,116 | 81% | 75% | +5.8 points | 68,301 |
| 2014 | 15,542 | 77% | 72% | +5.5 points | 76,050 |
| 2013 | 12,429 | 75% | 68% | +6.5 points | 85,087 |
| 2012 | 9,222 | 70% | 66% | +4.7 points | 96,915 |
| 2011 | 7,020 | 67% | 63% | +3.7 points | 105,661 |
| 2010 | 6,899 | 64% | 60% | +3.6 points | 111,371 |
| 2009 | 6,547 | 63% | 59% | +3.8 points | 116,305 |
| 2008 | 4,575 | 62% | 57% | +4.5 points | 123,983 |
Why the Volkswagen Tiguan fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | Tiguan | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 6.1% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 5.6% | 6.3% |
| Lights and electrics | 3.4% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 3.1% | 6.8% |
| Visibility | 2.0% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 1.8% | 3.1% |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | 3.5% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Steering | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Number plates and VIN | 0.2% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
- 2fractured or broken2.5%
- 3pin or bush excessively worn2.0%
- 4inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.7%
- 5less than 1.5 mm thick1.5%
- 6not working1.5%
- 7has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.3%
- 8does not clear the windscreen effectively1.2%
- 9has ply or cords exposed1.0%
- 10ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.9%
Common Tiguan MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used Tiguan, 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 | 15.7% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.1% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.2% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 8.2% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.1% |
| Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt | Non-component advisories | 4.0% |
| has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.8% |
| Nail in tyre | Non-component advisories | 2.9% |
| corroded and seriously weakened | Suspension | 2.4% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 2.4% |
Tips to help your Tiguan pass
Based on where Tiguans most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 3.4% of Tiguan 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 · 3.1% of Tiguan 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 Tiguan ULEZ compliant? See the Volkswagen Tiguan ULEZ check, or view all Volkswagen models.
Other Volkswagen models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 218,583 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Tiguan 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 218,583 first MOT tests of the Volkswagen Tiguan.
What is the Volkswagen Tiguan MOT failure rate?
In our data, 18% of 218,583 first MOT attempts on the Volkswagen Tiguan ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Volkswagen Tiguan fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were suspension (6.1% of tests), tyres (5.6% of tests), lights and electrics (3.4% of tests).
Which Tiguan year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2016 cars performed best: 85% passed first time, +6.8 points against the average for 7-year-old cars. The weakest was 2020, at 88% (+0.7 points).
How many miles had a typical Volkswagen Tiguan covered at its MOT?
The average was 59,864 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 25,056 miles and 2008 cars 123,983.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Volkswagen Tiguan?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 15.7% of tests, in the tyres area. 5.6% of Tiguans failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific Tiguan's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 218,583 Tiguans in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 62% to 92% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- 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 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 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
Check any Tiguan's MOT history
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