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Volkswagen Phaeton reliability by build year

Coverage 2003-20161 named generationSaloonDIESEL

We've only got 133 MOT tests for Volkswagen Phaetons built around 2011 (14 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

Not enough data

Volkswagen Phaeton built around 2011: not enough MOT data yet

We've only seen a handful of Volkswagen Phaetons built around 2011 so far. Too few to spot a pattern yet.

Check a Volkswagen Phaeton by number plate

Key figure

Check a car’s number plate to see its own MOT record, or come back when there’s more MOT history.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Volkswagen Phaeton's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

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.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

Lighting

Worth checking

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

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Phaeton's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

Phaeton 3D

3D (2003-2016)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESEL

19.1% fail rate, built around 2012 (13 years old)

Likely between 12.8% and 27.4%

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 27.7%)

From 110 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Volkswagen Phaeton.

See every build year for the Volkswagen Phaeton

By age

Volkswagen Phaeton fail rate by age

This chart combines every Volkswagen Phaeton ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
10916.5%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
11019.1%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
13318.1%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
10116.8%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
10725.2%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
7617.1%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
7524.0%

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 16 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 14-year-old Volkswagen Phaetons

These issues come from 14-year-old Volkswagen Phaetons, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot enough data

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

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

    26.3%
    Advisory: 67Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    18.1%
    Advisory: 38Fail: 12 (24% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    10.5%
    Advisory: 25Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    9.8%
    Advisory: 13Fail: 3 (19% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    One of the number plate lights not working

    6.8%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 133 MOT tests on 14-year-old Volkswagen Phaetons, every generation combined.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Volkswagen Phaeton.

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.

Recall context

DVSA's recall list has no recalls filed under the Volkswagen Phaeton name. For the exact car, check with the maker or GOV.UK's recall checker.

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Lexus IS

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.5%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Phaeton on these figures.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,081 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  2. 2

    Toyota Avensis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    26.4%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.5%
    Dangerous
    6.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    72.2%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Phaeton on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,306 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  3. 3

    Saab 9-3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    25.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.1%
    Dangerous
    6.6%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Phaeton on these figures.

    4,197 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

  4. 4

    Volvo S60

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.2%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    75.8%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Phaeton on these figures.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    1,849 MOT tests on cars built around 2011

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.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2011 (14 years old), the Volkswagen Phaeton across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 133 14-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Volkswagen Phaeton ever sold: 711 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2011 (14 years old): 133 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.