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Volkswagen T-Roc reliability by build year

Coverage 2018-present1 named generationSUVPETROL / DIESEL
At a glance

Volkswagen T-Roc built around 2018: fails its MOT less often than average

Volkswagen T-Roc models built around 2018 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Key figure

10% of MOT tests on Volkswagen T-Roc models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 16% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen T-Roc models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

What to check before viewing

The Volkswagen T-Roc's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

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.

How build years differ

Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your T-Roc's generation

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

Volkswagen T-Roc fail rate by age

This chart combines every Volkswagen T-Roc 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
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
20,8687.6%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
22,0027.7%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
19,8318.9%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
22,4249.7%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
9,2339.6%

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 6 years old.

Where the Volkswagen T-Roc stacks up

Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates

1st of 16

The lowest fail rate of the 16 Volkswagen models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the lowest third

5th of 89

5th lowest fail rate of 89 SUVs with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the lowest third

9.6%

The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.

Fails less often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Volkswagen T-Roc models

These issues come from 7-year-old Volkswagen T-Roc models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelPlenty of 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

    16.8%
    Advisory: 2,268Fail: 193 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    14.3%
    Advisory: 1,447Fail: 163 (10% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.4%
    Advisory: 1,730Fail: 93 (5% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    10.3%
    Advisory: 1,307Fail: 17 (1% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    5.1%
    Advisory: 517Fail: 36 (7% of the times it was found)

Based on 9,233 MOT tests on 7-year-old Volkswagen T-Roc models, every generation combined.

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Volkswagen T-Roc models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Brakes + Tyres49%
  2. Other + Tyres21%
  3. Brakes + Other14%
  4. Suspension + Tyres14%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 1,834 MOT tests on Volkswagen T-Roc cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

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 T-Roc.

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

9 recalls in all

All 9 Volkswagen T-Roc recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 9 recalls

Top concerns

  • Engine compartment covers could come loose from their attachment
  • The retractor of the three point automatic seat belt on the front right seat may be faulty.
  • The electric parking brake can be unintentionally released when disengaging the clutch pedal

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

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs to compare

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen T-Roc on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    3,969 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Porsche Macan

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    8.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    91.6%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 2.4%, against 3.9% for the Volkswagen T-Roc.

    2 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,936 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Lexus RX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    7.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.3%
    Dangerous
    2.9%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.4%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 2.9%, against 3.9% for the Volkswagen T-Roc.

    1,815 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Lexus NX

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    9.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1%
    Dangerous
    2.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.4%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 2.7%, against 3.9% for the Volkswagen T-Roc.

    4,706 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

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.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volkswagen T-Roc across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. It has the lowest fail rate of the 16 Volkswagen models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 9,233 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Volkswagen T-Roc ever sold: 94,358 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 9,233 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.