Makes › Volkswagen › Caddy

Volkswagen Caddy reliability

C · Average

MOT pass rates and common problems from 1.2 million MOT tests of cars first registered 1998–2023.

Jump to: YearsEnginesCommon failures
68.8%pass first time
+0.8 ptsvs typical car
Beats 55%of cars
1.2MMOT tests

Verdict

The Volkswagen Caddy passes its MOT first time on 68.8% of tests, 0.8 points higher than a typical car of the same age and mileage (68.1%). That puts it ahead of 55% of cars on UK roads once age and mileage are taken into account.

By year of first registration, the 2012 Caddy does best (beats 67% of cars) and the 2017 worst (beats 16%).

Of its engines, the 1.9 Diesel does best (beats 65%) and the 2.0 Diesel worst (beats 44%).

Better than average on seat belts & airbags, steering.

Watch these weak spots

Visibility1.3×as often as a typical car
Pins and bushes11.2×as often as a typical car
Windscreen washers1.5×as often as a typical car
Suspension arm bushes1.9×as often as a typical car

MOT pass rate by age

First-time pass rate at each MOT by the car’s age in years.

50%60%70%80%90%3456789101112131415161718192079%77%74%68%64%60%58%58%56%
Volkswagen CaddyTypical car, same age & mileage

Best and worst years

By year of first registration, ranked against all cars on UK roads after adjusting for age and mileage. Green = better than half of cars.

1998
Beats 33%
1999
Beats 47%
2000
Beats 43%
2001
Beats 39%
2002
Beats 52%
2003
Beats 52%
2004
Beats 57%
2005
Beats 60%
2006
Beats 60%
2007
Beats 62%
2008
Beats 67%
2009
Beats 63%
2010
Beats 60%
2011
Beats 67%
2012
Beats 67%
2013
Beats 63%
2014
Beats 57%
2015
Beats 35%
2016
Beats 19%
2017
Beats 16%
2018
Beats 49%
2019
Beats 30%
2020
Beats 27%
2021
Beats 39%
2022
Beats 36%
2023
Beats 27%

Engines

All years, most common first. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

EngineYearsTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel2004–2023505,45670.5%Beats 44%C
1.6 Diesel2010–2017461,47170.1%Beats 58%C
1.9 Diesel1998–2012180,91360.1%Beats 65%B
1.7 Diesel2011–201219,61766.8%Beats 67%B
1.4 Petrol2017–20185,74483.5%Beats 40%C
1.0 Petrol2018–20192,80686.1%Beats 67%B
1.2 Petrol2018–20181,93579.0%Beats 24%D
1.5 Petrol2022–20221,11487.1%Beats 18%E

Where it fails

Each area compared with a typical car of the same age and mileage, in points of pass rate. Tap or hover an area to see what to check.

Exhaust: 3.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Suspension: 11.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Lights: 11.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Tyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Brakes: 7.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Lights: 11.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.6 ptsTyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.2 ptsBrakes: 7.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+0.7 ptsSuspension: 11.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−1.0 ptsExhaust: 3.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−0.4 ptsSuspension: 11.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Brakes: 7.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Tyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Lights: 11.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Exhaust: 3.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Lights: 11.1% of tests fail on lights & electrics, against 13.7% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Walk round the car with every light on, including brake, fog and number plate lights.Lights+2.6 ptsTyres: 7.6% of tests fail on tyres, against 7.4% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Check the tread on every tyre, including the inner edge, and look for cuts or bulges.Tyres−0.2 ptsBrakes: 7.2% of tests fail on brakes, against 7.8% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Brake firmly on the test drive: the car should stop straight with no pulsing or grinding.Brakes+0.7 ptsSuspension: 11.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.Suspension−1.0 ptsExhaust: 3.9% of tests fail on emissions & leaks, against 3.5% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for a blowing exhaust at start-up and look underneath for oil or fluid leaks.Exhaust−0.4 pts
Better than typicalTypicalWorse than typical
Suspension: 11.3% of tests fail on suspension, against 10.3% for a typical car of the same age and mileage. Listen for knocks over speed bumps and push each corner down: it should settle at once.

Every MOT area

Share of tests failing on each area, against a typical car of the same age and mileage (black line).

Suspension
11.3% vs 10.3%
Lights & electrics
11.1% vs 13.7%
Tyres
7.6% vs 7.4%
Brakes
7.2% vs 7.8%
Visibility
6.6% vs 5.1%
Emissions & leaks
3.9% vs 3.5%
Body & structure
3.8% vs 3.7%
Seat belts & airbags
0.9% vs 1.2%
Steering
0.7% vs 2.2%
Wheels
0.4% vs 0.5%

Buying one or MOT due? Check these

  • Windscreen washers 1.5× typical
    Test the washers and wipers: a cheap fix, but a very common MOT fail.
  • Suspension arm bushes 1.9× typical
    Listen for knocks over speed bumps and feel for wandering or vague steering.
  • Tyre damage & cracking
    Look for cuts, bulges and cracking on both sidewalls of every tyre.
  • Headlight aim
    Park facing a wall at night: both dipped beams should sit level and dip to the left.
  • Tyre tread depth
    Check every tyre, including the inner edge, has at least 3 mm of tread. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Brake pads
    Ask when the pads were last replaced and look for a brake-wear warning on the dash.

Pass rate by mileage

First-time pass rate by mileage at the test.

50%60%70%80%90%100%0k10k20k30k40k50k60k70k80k90k100k110k120k130k140k150k90%81%78%74%70%66%63%61%
Volkswagen CaddyTypical car

Most common MOT failures

ItemThis carTypicalvs typical
Tyre damage & cracking4.4%3.9%1.1×
Windscreen washers3.7%2.4%1.5×
Headlight aim3.2%3.7%0.8×
Tyre tread depth3.2%3.3%1.0×
Brake pads2.6%2.5%1.0×
Suspension arm bushes2.6%1.4%1.9×
Sidelights2.2%3.5%0.6×
Brake lights2.2%2.5%0.9×
Windscreen wipers2.1%2.2%1.0×
Coil springs1.9%2.6%0.7×

Specific defects found

Tester wording for the most frequent failure items, per 1,000 tests.

Defectper 1,000
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn59.4
Windscreen washers not working or not providing sufficient fluid to clear the windscreen36.7
The aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements31.6
Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements31.6
A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm25.2
A suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc23.5
Engine MIL illuminated indicating a malfunction22.5
A tyre seriously damaged21.6
Check another car

Pick a make and model to see its MOT pass rate, best and worst years and weak spots.

Every year and engine

Tap a year to see its engines. Grades compare each car with cars of the same age and mileage (A = best 20% of cars on UK roads, E = worst 20%), so an older or higher-mileage car can grade above one with a higher pass rate.

2023 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine82.0% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel2,57282.0%Beats 27%D
2022 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines83.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel7,55983.3%Beats 38%D
1.5 Petrol1,11487.1%Beats 18%E
2021 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine82.9% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel12,60982.9%Beats 39%D
2020 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine81.0% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel24,18481.0%Beats 27%D
2019 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines79.4% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel48,00579.2%Beats 29%D
1.0 Petrol1,45086.4%Beats 67%B
2018 Volkswagen Caddy4 engines80.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel56,00879.7%Beats 49%C
1.4 Petrol3,59984.1%Beats 45%C
1.2 Petrol1,93579.0%Beats 24%D
1.0 Petrol1,35685.7%Beats 66%B
2017 Volkswagen Caddy3 engines74.3% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel72,32773.9%Beats 15%E
1.6 Diesel4,37377.2%Beats 50%C
1.4 Petrol2,14582.5%Beats 34%D
2016 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines72.4% passE
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel85,88772.3%Beats 18%E
1.6 Diesel15,30572.8%Beats 22%D
2015 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines72.9% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Diesel96,62272.6%Beats 33%D
2.0 Diesel11,25475.5%Beats 57%C
2014 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines72.0% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Diesel98,76471.7%Beats 55%C
2.0 Diesel7,19076.6%Beats 80%B
2013 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines70.1% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Diesel103,82969.9%Beats 62%B
2.0 Diesel6,93873.2%Beats 77%B
2012 Volkswagen Caddy4 engines68.3% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Diesel66,31668.1%Beats 66%B
1.7 Diesel12,39867.7%Beats 68%B
2.0 Diesel6,77970.7%Beats 79%B
1.9 Diesel2,33169.1%Beats 72%B
2011 Volkswagen Caddy4 engines66.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.6 Diesel72,24866.2%Beats 67%B
2.0 Diesel19,56366.4%Beats 69%B
1.9 Diesel8,95366.2%Beats 66%B
1.7 Diesel7,21965.2%Beats 66%B
2010 Volkswagen Caddy3 engines61.1% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel51,32259.9%Beats 57%C
1.9 Diesel26,68762.5%Beats 62%B
1.6 Diesel4,01466.1%Beats 72%B
2009 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines60.5% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel33,47962.3%Beats 68%B
2.0 Diesel27,67158.4%Beats 57%C
2008 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines60.2% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel35,12461.2%Beats 70%B
2.0 Diesel15,79958.0%Beats 61%B
2007 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines57.8% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel23,53659.3%Beats 66%B
2.0 Diesel20,70756.1%Beats 58%C
2006 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines56.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel17,87658.0%Beats 65%B
2.0 Diesel11,81252.9%Beats 50%C
2005 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines55.0% passB
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel10,59357.4%Beats 66%B
2.0 Diesel9,85952.4%Beats 51%C
2004 Volkswagen Caddy2 engines52.9% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
2.0 Diesel7,41152.2%Beats 55%C
1.9 Diesel5,95853.8%Beats 59%C
2003 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine52.3% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel4,25452.3%Beats 52%C
2002 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine51.8% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel3,93351.8%Beats 52%C
2001 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine48.4% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel2,35348.4%Beats 39%D
2000 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine52.3% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel2,75452.3%Beats 43%C
1999 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine55.6% passC
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel2,04055.6%Beats 47%C
1998 Volkswagen Caddy1 engine53.8% passD
EngineTestsPass rateRankGrade
1.9 Diesel1,04253.8%Beats 33%D

FAQ

What is the Volkswagen Caddy MOT pass rate?

68.8% of MOT tests on the Volkswagen Caddy were passed first time, based on 1,179,056 tests between 2018 and 2026 of cars first registered 1998–2023. A typical car of the same age and mileage passes 68.1% of the time.

Is the Volkswagen Caddy reliable?

On MOT results it rates C (average): it passes first time more often than a typical car of the same age and mileage and does better than 55% of cars on UK roads. MOT results cover safety and emissions items, not every kind of breakdown.

Which Volkswagen Caddy year is best?

Among years with enough data, the 2012 Caddy does best for its age and mileage: it beats 67% of cars on UK roads. The 2017 does worst: it beats 16%.

Which Volkswagen Caddy engine is best?

Across all years, the 1.9 Diesel does best: it beats 65% of cars on UK roads. The 2.0 Diesel does worst: it beats 44%.

What are the most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen Caddy?

The most common failure items are tyre damage & cracking, windscreen washers, headlight aim. Compared with similar cars, pins and bushes comes up 11.2× as often.

How we calculate this. We use official MOT results for cars tested in Great Britain from 2018 to 2026. Each car is compared with typical cars of the same age and mileage, so old and new cars are judged fairly; “pts” are percentage points above or below them. Differences also reflect how cars are used and maintained, not only how they are built.