Volkswagen Touran MOT Failures
An analysis of 787,907 real DVSA MOT tests on the Volkswagen Touran — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: 1T1 (2003–2010), 1T2 (2010–2015), 1T3 (2015–2024).
Where the Volkswagen Touran fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Volkswagen Touran is emissions failure — this model is 179 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 787,907 MOT tests, 3.4% of all Volkswagen Touran tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include seat mounting fault (101x the fleet average), anti-roll bar links worn (61x the fleet average), power steering fault (26x the fleet average), and any part of the noise suppression system insecure (15x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Volkswagen Touran's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Seatbelts & Airbags, Suspension, Steering, Lights & Electrics and others. If you're inspecting a Volkswagen Touran before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Volkswagen Touran's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Volkswagen Touran specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (179x the average) and seat mounting fault (101x). anti-roll bar links worn (61x) and power steering fault (26x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Volkswagen Touran specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (49x the average) and mandatory tell-tale for direction indicators mi... (24x). power steering fault (17x) and light unit fault (13x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Volkswagen Touran specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (22x the average) and seat mounting fault (18x). time taken to build up air pressure/vacuum to s... (18x) and reflector defective or damaged by up to 50% of ... (14x) also appear frequently.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Volkswagen Touran specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Flexible brake hose deterioration (1T1/1T2/1T3) Dangerous
The flexible rubber brake hoses connecting the rigid brake lines to the brake calipers deteriorate internally and externally. Affects 1T1, 1T2, 1T3; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£300.
DPF smoke opacity failure (1T1/1T2/1T3) Major
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) becomes blocked with soot during short urban journeys where regeneration cycles cannot complete. Affects 1T1, 1T2, 1T3; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£1,200.
Turbocharger actuator failure (1T1/1T2/1T3) Major
The turbocharger wastegate actuator fails due to carbon buildup and mechanical wear, particularly on TDI engines. Affects 1T1, 1T2, 1T3; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£1,200.
Suspension joint dust cover deterioration (1T1/1T2/1T3)
The rubber dust covers protecting suspension ball joints and bushes split and deteriorate, allowing water and dirt ingress. Affects 1T1, 1T2, 1T3; typical independent garage repair cost is £20–£150.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Volkswagen Touran common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Volkswagen Touran
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Volkswagen Touran:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure, any part of the noise suppression system insecure. Seatbelts & Airbags — check for seat mounting fault. Suspension — check for anti-roll bar links worn. Steering — check for power steering fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about flexible brake hose deterioration and dpf smoke opacity failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £80. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Volkswagen Touran?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Volkswagen Touran MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Volkswagen Touran?
Based on 787,907 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 179x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include seat mounting fault and anti-roll bar links worn.
Is the Volkswagen Touran reliable based on MOT data?
The Volkswagen Touran has 19 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag flexible brake hose deterioration as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Volkswagen Touran most commonly fails on emissions failure and seat mounting fault. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are emissions failure and seat mounting fault.
How do I check a Volkswagen Touran's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.