Skip to main content
Check

Volkswagen Passat B6 (2005-2010) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Passat B6 built around 2010: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Volkswagen Passat B6 models built around 2010 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at the suspension on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Volkswagen Passat B6?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

9% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Passat B6 models built around 2010 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 7% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Passat B6 models built around 2010 involves the suspension.

Volkswagen Passat B6
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2005-2010SaloonDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 54,839 tests of Passat models registered 2005-2010.

About 1 in 15 Passat B6 MOTs (6.8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2010 (15 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 14,369 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). 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 12 Passat B6 MOTs (8.8%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2010 (15 years old).

Based on 14,369 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

B6 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,85927.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
14,36927.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
11,38028.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,34629.9%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,92630.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,86030.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,09928.6%

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 19 years old.

How the Passat B6 compares

At each age below, see how the Passat B6 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 182,459 tests across 17 Volkswagen models, built around 2010 (15 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
5,85927.8%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
14,36927.6%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
11,38028.1%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
9,34629.9%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
6,92630.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
4,86030.5%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
2,09928.6%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension

Worth checking

Inspect the suspension carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Passat B6.

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Lancer

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    10.2%
    Dangerous
    7%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 7.0%, against 8.8% for the Volkswagen Passat B6.

    1,563 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

  2. 2

    Toyota Avensis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    27.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.7%
    Dangerous
    6.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    72.2%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 6.9%, against 8.8% for the Volkswagen Passat B6.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,472 MOT tests on cars built around 2010

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.

How many are still registered

83%of all Volkswagen Passat cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

43 recalls in all

7 of the 43 Passat B6 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Possibility of fire
  • Takata front airbag

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Passat B6 cars built around 2010

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 2,028 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
59%
Drivetrain
29%
Emissions
28%
Steering
2%
Bodywork
2%

Wear items

Tyres
53%
Brakes
34%
Lighting
32%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 14% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

How Passat B6 cars have aged

How Passat B6 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%1113151719Age at MOTBuilt around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (12,177 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 26.7% (11,166 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (10,296 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (9,020 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (7,782 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (12,119 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 26.8% (10,768 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.7% (9,477 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 26.6% (7,794 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 27.8% (6,549 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (12,361 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 27.5% (10,523 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 28.7% (8,919 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (6,933 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (5,415 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 29.7% (12,480 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (10,263 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 29.3% (7,879 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (5,895 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.6% (4,351 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.4% (9,608 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (7,423 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (5,486 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (3,982 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (2,849 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (6,407 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 30.6% (4,896 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (3,729 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (2,817 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (2,099 tests, 2025 data)2005
First registered around 2010First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007
How each part holds up as B6 cars age

How each part holds up as B6 cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension59%57%69%50%
Brakes34%38%41%41%
Emissions28%23%20%19%
Tyres53%58%60%50%
Lighting32%42%52%59%
Drivetrain29%29%44%61%
Bodywork2%1%2%3%
Steering2%2%2%3%
Corrosion14%12%11%10%

Based on diesel cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 2,028 to 2,606 cars at each age.

B6 variants compared

Passat B6 variants built around 2010

The fail rate for each Passat B6 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Diesel

  • PASSAT27.9%13,583 tests

Petrol

  • PASSAT22.3%782 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Passats of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Passat built around 2010, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the B6 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    31.5%
    Advisory: 7,704Fail: 947 (11% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    30.1%
    Advisory: 6,209Fail: 623 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    22.7%
    Advisory: 5,158Fail: 339 (6% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    13.7%
    Advisory: 1,834Fail: 831 (31% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    12.9%
    Advisory: 2,518Fail: 32 (1% of the times it was found)

Based on 14,369 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Passat B6?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2010 (15 years old), the Volkswagen Passat B6 (2005-2010) fails MOTs slightly less often than typical for this age. This is based on 14,369 15-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 54,839 MOT tests on Volkswagen Passats first registered between 2005-2010. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.