Volkswagen Amarok: what fails at MOT
39,000 MOT tests on the Volkswagen Amarok in 2024, counted. 20.1% failed at the first attempt.
The short answer
20.1% of Volkswagen Amarok tests failed at the first attempt. Cars of the same ages averaged 20.8%, so the Amarok is about average for its age.
It fails most often on brakes (5.1% of tests), lights and electrics (4.2% of tests) and suspension (2.8% of tests). It fails on brakes more often than most cars its age.
By year of registration
Older cars fail more, whatever the model. So each year is shown beside the figure for all cars first used that year.
| First used | Tests | Failed first time | All cars that year | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3,405 | 11.4% | 11.5% | 48,800 36,500 to 67,500 |
| 2019 | 6,485 | 13.1% | 13.4% | 57,500 42,400 to 77,500 |
| 2018 | 5,607 | 15.0% | 15.6% | 70,900 54,000 to 94,200 |
| 2017 | 4,234 | 19.7% | 18.2% | 79,100 60,100 to 102,700 |
| 2016 | 4,323 | 21.8% | 21.3% | 89,200 69,700 to 115,200 |
| 2015 | 4,951 | 23.2% | 24.4% | 100,600 75,700 to 122,500 |
| 2014 | 3,992 | 25.8% | 27.7% | 106,700 83,800 to 136,000 |
| 2013 | 3,352 | 25.3% | 30.6% | 122,000 97,500 to 150,500 |
| 2012 | 2,084 | 33.8% | 33.4% | 123,700 99,700 to 151,000 |
| 2011 | 965 | 35.9% | 36.1% | 129,400 109,400 to 161,200 |
Green is at least three points better than other cars that year, red at least three points worse. Typical mileage is the middle reading at the test, with the range the middle half of cars fell in.
Where it fails
The share of Volkswagen Amarok tests with at least one failure in each part of the MOT, beside what cars of the same ages average.
| Part of the test | Amarok | Cars its age |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes More than most | 5.1% | 3.1% |
| Lights and electrics | 4.2% | 4.7% |
| Suspension | 2.8% | 3.6% |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.8% | 1.3% |
| Tyres Less than most | 1.6% | 3.9% |
| Wipers, washers and windscreen Less than most | 1.3% | 2.4% |
| Steering | 1.0% | 0.8% |
| Body and structure | 0.5% | 1.1% |
The parts that fail most
- Brake test1.8%
- Engine warning light1.6%
- Footbrake1.4%
- Headlamp aim1.1%
- Shock absorbers1.1%
- Brake pads1.0%
- Tyre1.0%
- Handbrake0.9%
- Suspension pins and bushes0.8%
- Headlamp0.8%
Share of tests with a failure on that part.
The most common failures
- Engine warning light: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.6%
- Brake test: efficiency below requirements1.2%
- Footbrake: excessively binding1.1%
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
- Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.9%
- Handbrake: inoperative on one side0.9%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.8%
- Tyre tread: below requirements of 1.6mm0.7%
- Coil spring: fractured or broken0.7%
- Brake light: not working0.6%
What testers warn about
Advisories are things that passed this time but are wearing. They are the best guide to next year's bills.
- Tyre tread: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge7.2%
- Brake pads: wearing thin3.7%
- Shock absorbers: has light misting of oil2.7%
- Suspension pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement2.4%
- Engine oil: leak, but not excessive2.1%
- Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened1.6%
- Coil spring: corroded1.4%
- Footbrake: binding but not excessively1.2%
What these figures can't tell you
An MOT is a safety and emissions test. These figures show how often the model fails that test. They say nothing about engines, gearboxes or electronics that break between tests, and how a car has been looked after matters more than its badge. The car you are looking at has its own MOT record, and that is the one to read.
Ask before you travel
- “When were the brake pads and discs last changed?”
- “Do all the lights work, including the number plate lights and brake lights?”
- “Have any suspension parts been replaced, such as springs, ball joints or bushes, and can I see the invoice?”
- “Has it ever failed on emissions or an exhaust leak, and what was done about it?”
Check a Volkswagen Amarok's own MOT record
Looking at a Amarok? Type its registration to see every test that car has had, what it failed on and what it was warned about, free.
Where this comes from
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2024, published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. The counting is Hindsight's own.
First-attempt MOT tests of cars first used 2004 to 2021. A test counts as failed if it failed or only passed after a repair during the test. Retests are left out. Built on 13 November 2026.