Vehicle summary
ULEZ status is estimated based on fuel type and registration year. It may not reflect the actual emission standard of this vehicle. Check with TfL for a definitive answer.
At a glance
This 2003 Volkswagen Passat Diesel 1896cc has had 15 MOT tests on record, passing 10 and failing 5 (67% pass rate). It has 212,478 miles on the clock, averaging 15,265 miles per year, above the UK average of 7,400. The 1.9 TDI PD engine is known for check tdi club forums and cross-reference with passat b5-generation faults. Common Volkswagen Passat issues include suspension upper control arm links (front multi-link arms) and sunroof drain blockages causing interior water leaks.
MOT & Mileage History for RF53 BVE
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Above average| Latest reading | 212,478 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Average per year | 15,265 |
| Mileage consistency | Consistent |
Check RF53 BVE
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- Plate & colour change history
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- Service interval analysis
- Warranty work logged
Full MOT Test History 15 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Volkswagen Passat
These are the most commonly reported problems on Volkswagen Passat models (1997–2005), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
Suspension upper control arm links (front multi-link arms)
Bushings and ball joints wear out prematurely, leading to play or complete failure. · Typical repair: £200-£400 per side (parts £80-£150, labour 2-3 hours at £100/hr indie rate).
Sunroof drain blockages causing interior water leaks
Drains clog with debris, water backs up and floods footwells, soaking modules (convenience module driver side, TCM passenger side). · Typical repair: £100-£300 to clear drains/replace modules; £800+ if full harness needed (estimated).
Rear window regulators
Plastic guides/gears strip or snap, windows drop into door. · Typical repair: £150-£250 per door (aftermarket regulator £50-£80, 1-2 hours labour).
Door latches/locks failing
Mechanisms seize or microswitches fail, causing central locking glitches. · Typical repair: £100-£200 per door (rebuild kit £30-£50, 1 hour labour).
Check TDI Club forums
Cross-reference with Passat B5-generation faults
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | RF53 BVE |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat |
| Colour | Blue |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1896cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | RF — Reading, Reading |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More RF53 B plates
Browse all RF53 B registrations from Reading.
About RF53 BVE
What car is RF53 BVE?
RF53 BVE is an blue Volkswagen Passat, diesel (1896cc). First registered in Reading in 2003.
What is the mileage of RF53 BVE?
The last recorded mileage for RF53 BVE was 212,478 miles, recorded on 8 Sep 2016 during its most recent MOT test.
Has RF53 BVE passed its MOT?
RF53 BVE has had 15 MOT tests with a 67% pass rate (10 passes, 5 failures). It last passed on 8 Sep 2016.
Is RF53 BVE ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, RF53 BVE is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is RF53 BVE?
RF53 BVE is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.