Used car guide

2022 Volkswagen Caravelle: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2022 Volkswagen Caravelles, from 178 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 178 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

178MOT tests in 2025
88%pass first time (all 2022 cars: 89%)
8,300typical miles a year
23%had tyres flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2022 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    23% 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
    11% 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.

  • 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.

  • Suspension
    4% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    4% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

  • Lights and electrics
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

Known faults

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

  • Fuel hose and airbag recalls
    All engines

    A large number were recalled for faulty fuel hoses, and others for passenger airbags, tyres, child locks and door cables that could freeze.

    At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

  • Squealing auxiliary belt
    All engines

    A failing auxiliary belt squeals, and if it breaks it can take out the power steering and air con and damage the pump and alternator pulleys.

    At the viewing: Listen at start-up and look at the belt for cracks.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

  • ABS and ESP warning lights
    All engines

    Dirt in the wheel bearings can upset the wheel-speed sensors and bring on ABS and ESP warnings.

    At the viewing: Make sure the ABS and ESP lights go out.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

  • Fuel pressure sensor (2.0 TDI)
    2.0 TDI

    A faulty fuel pressure sensor brings on the engine and glow plug lights.

    At the viewing: Make sure there are no warning lights.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

  • High-level brake light failing
    All engines

    The high-level brake light can fail, which is an MOT fail. The only fix is a new, improved unit.

    At the viewing: Have someone check all the brake lights.

    Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

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%
20161,016Tyres 28%
2015716Suspension 32%
2014622Tyres 27%
2013700Suspension 33%
2012812Suspension 33%
2011659Suspension 37%
2010598Suspension 41%
2009401Suspension 48%
2008545Suspension 46%
2007564Suspension 45%
2006564Suspension 47%
2005645Suspension 51%
2004479Suspension 55%
2003546Brakes 48%
2002684Brakes 47%
2001627Brakes 46%
2000498Brakes 47%
1999396Brakes 48%
1998368Suspension 46%
1997375Brakes 45%
1996260Brakes 48%
1995300Brakes 45%
1994197Suspension 47%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2022 Volkswagen Caravelles registered in 2022. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score