Used car guide

2017 Volkswagen Caravelle: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Volkswagen Caravelles, from 971 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

971MOT tests in 2025
73%pass first time (all 2017 cars: 78%)
9,000typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for suspension arm bushes and joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2017 Volkswagen Caravelles than on all cars registered in 2017.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    9.8% All 2017 cars
    4.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.8%, against 0.9% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Coil springs2.2× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    6.4% All 2017 cars
    2.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

  • Windscreen2.2× usual
    Volkswagen Caravelle
    4.8% All 2017 cars
    2.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

By area

The share of 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    26% 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.

  • Suspension
    23% 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.

  • Brakes
    18% 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
    10% 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
    7% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Driveshafts and joints
    3% of testsRough price £60–£350

    At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2021528Tyres 26%
2020694Tyres 22%
2019823Tyres 23%
2018667Tyres 26%
20161,016Suspension 28%
2015716Suspension 32%
2014622Suspension 27%
2013700Suspension 33%
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 2017 Volkswagen Caravelles registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score