Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) (1967-1979) reliability
Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) built before 2000: about average at the MOT
Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) models built before 2000 fail their MOT a little less often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.
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Key figure
28% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.
Most common issue
The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) models built before 2000 involves the wheels and wheel bearings.
Based on 509 tests of Camper models registered 1967-1979.
About 1 in 9 Camper T2 (Bay window) MOTs (11%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.
Based on 509 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 8.6% and 14.0%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.
About 1 in 15 Camper T2 (Bay window) MOTs (6.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Based on 509 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 4.5% and 8.7%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.
T2 (Bay window) fail rate by age
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 25+ years old.
How the Camper T2 (Bay window) compares
At each age below, see how the Camper T2 (Bay window) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.
Based on 74,727 tests across 18 Volkswagen models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).
Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.
What to check before viewing
The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.
Brake pipes and hoses
High priorityLook under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.
Underbody / chassis corrosion
High priorityGet the car on a ramp or jack point and inspect sills, subframe mounts, and rear suspension mounting points.
Axles & Wheels
Worth checkingInspect the axles & wheels carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Leaks
Worth checkingInspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.
Suspension bushes and joints
Worth checkingListen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.
Vehicle-specific check
Worth checkingCheck the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.
Similar cars to compare
Other cars, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Camper T2 (Bay window).
- 1
Renault Trafic
Tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 35.9%
- Still registered at 10 years
- 89%
No clear edge over the Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) on these figures.
2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.
1,885 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- 2
Mazda Bongo
Tested at the same age
- Fail rate
- 36.2%
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- 19.5%
- Dangerous
- 6.1%
No clear edge over the Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) on these figures.
3,878 MOT tests on cars built before 2000
- Fail rate
- = the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
- Fail, no pass in 3 days
- = the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
- Dangerous
- = the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
- Still registered at 10 years
- = the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.
Recall context
DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Volkswagen Camper name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.
What has gone wrong on Camper T2 (Bay window) cars built before 2000
The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 366 cars.
Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 65% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.
Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.
T2 (Bay window) variants compared
Most common issues on Volkswagen Campers of this age
This list covers every Volkswagen Camper built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the T2 (Bay window) on its own.
Most common advisories and fails
In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one
- 119.1%Advisory
Oil leak, but not excessive
- 214.9%Advisory
Wheel bearing has slight play
- 311.1%Advisory
Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease
- 49.8%Advisory
Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much
- 58.4%Advisory
Body structure corroded, but not seriously weakened
Based on 1,483 tests
Looking at a Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) right now?
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Frequently asked questions
Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Volkswagen Camper T2 (Bay window) (1967-1979) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 509 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.