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Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) (2018-present) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) built around 2018: fails its MOT less often than average

Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) models built around 2018 fail their MOT less often than similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) right now?

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

Key figure

10% of MOT tests on Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) 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 Mk1 (A1) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1)
excellent reliability2018-presentSUVPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 94,333 tests of T-Roc models registered 2018+.

About 1 in 12 petrol T-Roc cars registered in 2022 (8.7%) failed their first MOT.

Based on 14,893 first MOTs (DVSA MOT results, 2025).

0.9% of T-Roc Mk1 (A1) MOTs failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 9,208 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 25 T-Roc Mk1 (A1) MOTs (3.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 9,208 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (A1) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
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
9,2089.6%

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.

How the T-Roc Mk1 (A1) compares

At each age below, see how the T-Roc Mk1 (A1) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 266,306 tests across 19 Volkswagen models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
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
9,2089.6%

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.

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.

Other SUVs to compare

Other SUVs, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the T-Roc Mk1 (A1).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi Eclipse

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    12.4%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) 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 Mk1 (A1).

    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 Mk1 (A1).

    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 Mk1 (A1).

    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.

Recall context

9 recalls in all

All 9 T-Roc Mk1 (A1) 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.

What has gone wrong on T-Roc Mk1 (A1) cars built around 2018

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 1,010 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
1%
Emissions
1%

Wear items

Tyres
14%
Brakes
8%
Lighting
2%

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol T-Roc tests (not specific to Mk1 (A1)).

Under 1.0 litre10.7%3,093 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres8.3%4,993 tests
How T-Roc Mk1 (A1) cars have aged

How T-Roc Mk1 (A1) 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.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%34567Age at MOTBuilt around 2021, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.6% (15,608 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2021, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.8% (14,452 tests, 2025 data)2021Built around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.5% (12,149 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.8% (11,020 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (10,819 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 7.0% (16,017 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 7.9% (14,883 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.1% (14,402 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.5% (14,066 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 8.8% (11,539 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 10.1% (10,634 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 9.9% (10,029 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 9.8% (9,495 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 9.6% (9,208 tests, 2025 data)2018
First registered around 2021First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018
How each part holds up as Mk1 (A1) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (A1) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2017-2020 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 car5 years6 years7 years
SuspensionNo figure1%1%
Brakes4%4%8%
Emissions3%1%1%
Tyres13%11%14%
Lighting2%2%2%

Based on petrol cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 894 to 1,052 cars at each age.

Mk1 (A1) variants compared

T-Roc Mk1 (A1) variants built around 2018

The fail rate for each T-Roc Mk1 (A1) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • T-ROC9.3%8,069 tests

Diesel

  • T-ROC11.6%1,134 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volkswagen T-Roc models of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen T-Roc built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (A1) on its own.

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 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1) (2018-present) fails MOTs noticeably less often than typical for this age. This is based on 9,208 7-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 94,333 MOT tests on Volkswagen T-Roc models first registered from 2018. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.