Used car guide

2017 Volkswagen Caravelle: petrol or diesel?

Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.

Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.

Known faults on every 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Fuel hose and airbag recalls

    All engines

    A large number were recalled for faulty fuel hoses, and others for passenger airbags, tyres, child locks and door cables that could freeze.

    At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

  • Squealing auxiliary belt

    All engines

    A failing auxiliary belt squeals, and if it breaks it can take out the power steering and air con and damage the pump and alternator pulleys.

    At the viewing: Listen at start-up and look at the belt for cracks.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

  • ABS and ESP warning lights

    All engines

    Dirt in the wheel bearings can upset the wheel-speed sensors and bring on ABS and ESP warnings.

    At the viewing: Make sure the ABS and ESP lights go out.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

  • High-level brake light failing

    All engines

    The high-level brake light can fail, which is an MOT fail. The only fix is a new, improved unit.

    At the viewing: Have someone check all the brake lights.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

Looking at a Volkswagen Caravelle?

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Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Caravelle compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2022190Tyres 22%
20211,020Tyres 25%
20202,018Tyres 21%
20192,447Tyres 26%
20181,987Tyres 27%
20163,025Tyres 28%
20152,131Tyres 31%
20141,848Tyres 29%
20132,080Suspension 31%
20122,409Suspension 30%
20111,959Suspension 34%
20101,788Suspension 41%
20091,190Suspension 44%
20081,663Suspension 46%
20071,723Suspension 46%
20061,753Suspension 46%
20051,970Suspension 50%
20041,497Suspension 51%
20031,697Brakes 47%
20022,094Brakes 46%
20011,914Suspension 47%
20001,606Brakes 47%
19991,216Brakes 48%
19981,202Brakes 46%
19971,182Brakes 45%
1996847Brakes 48%
1995919Brakes 46%
1994648Brakes 46%
1993236Brakes 39%
1992182Brakes 43%
1991168Brakes 39%
1990210Lights and electrics 44%