Used car guide

1999 Volkswagen LT: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 1999 Volkswagen LTs, from 129 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 129 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

129MOT tests in 2025
60%pass first time (all 1999 cars: 65%)
5,400typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 1999 Volkswagen LTs than on all cars registered in 1999.

  • Engine oil leaks2.2× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    34.9% All 1999 cars
    15.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

By area

The share of 1999 Volkswagen LT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    47% 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.

  • Suspension
    46% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    40% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    36% 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.

  • Steering
    23% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

  • Tyres
    17% 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.

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006249Brakes 51%
2005362Brakes 52%
2004346Brakes 53%
2003266Brakes 47%
2002227Brakes 59%
2001134Brakes 51%
2000124Brakes 52%
1998108Suspension 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 1999 Volkswagen LTs registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score