Used car guide

2013 Volkswagen Caravelle: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2013 Volkswagen Caravelles, from 700 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

700MOT tests in 2025
72%pass first time (all 2013 cars: 66%)
7,900typical miles a year
33%had suspension flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2013 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    33% of testsRough price £120–£400

    At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

  • Tyres
    29% of testsRough price £70–£150

    At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

  • Brakes
    23% of testsRough price £150–£350

    At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

  • Lights and electrics
    20% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    8% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    3% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Looking at a Volkswagen Caravelle?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021528Tyres 26%
2020694Tyres 22%
2019823Tyres 23%
2018667Tyres 26%
2017971Tyres 26%
20161,016Suspension 28%
2015716Suspension 32%
2014622Suspension 27%
2012812Suspension 33%
2011659Suspension 37%
2010598Suspension 41%
2008545Suspension 46%
2007564Suspension 45%
2006564Suspension 47%
2005645Suspension 51%
2003546Suspension 48%
2002684Brakes 47%
2001627Brakes 46%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2013 Volkswagen Caravelles registered in 2013. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score