2018 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the petrol Volkswagen Caravelle first registered in 2018 (petrol cars only): we looked at the 145 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 145 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes24% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension22% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics10% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Seats and seatbelts3% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
Known faults on the 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol
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.
- All engines
Fuel hose and airbag recalls
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)
- All engines
Squealing auxiliary belt
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)
- All engines
ABS and ESP warning lights
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)
- All engines
High-level brake light failing
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)
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Volkswagen Caravelle petrol
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has the fuel hose recall been done? Can a VW dealer confirm from the VIN?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volkswagen Caravelle?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Caravelle compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 190 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 1,020 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 2,018 | Tyres 21% |
| 2019 | 2,447 | Tyres 26% |
| 2017 | 2,897 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 3,025 | Tyres 28% |
| 2015 | 2,131 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 1,848 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 2,080 | Suspension 31% |
| 2012 | 2,409 | Suspension 30% |
| 2011 | 1,959 | Suspension 34% |
| 2010 | 1,788 | Suspension 41% |
| 2009 | 1,190 | Suspension 44% |
| 2008 | 1,663 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 1,723 | Suspension 46% |
| 2006 | 1,753 | Suspension 46% |
| 2005 | 1,970 | Suspension 50% |
| 2004 | 1,497 | Suspension 51% |
| 2003 | 1,697 | Brakes 47% |
| 2002 | 2,094 | Brakes 46% |
| 2001 | 1,914 | Suspension 47% |
| 2000 | 1,606 | Brakes 47% |
| 1999 | 1,216 | Brakes 48% |
| 1998 | 1,202 | Brakes 46% |
| 1997 | 1,182 | Brakes 45% |
| 1996 | 847 | Brakes 48% |
| 1995 | 919 | Brakes 46% |
| 1994 | 648 | Brakes 46% |
| 1993 | 236 | Brakes 39% |
| 1992 | 182 | Brakes 43% |
| 1991 | 168 | Brakes 39% |
| 1990 | 210 | Lights and electrics 44% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen Caravelle cars first registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score