Used car guide

2001 Volkswagen LT: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2001 Volkswagen LTs, from 134 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 134 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

134MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2001 cars: 61%)
6,000typical miles a year
51%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2001 Volkswagen LT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    51% 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
    49% 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
    42% 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
    26% 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
    25% 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.

  • Exhaust and emissions
    19% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

    At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Looking at a Volkswagen LT?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006249Brakes 51%
2005362Brakes 52%
2004346Brakes 53%
2003266Brakes 47%
2002227Brakes 59%
2000124Brakes 52%
1999129Brakes 47%
1998108Suspension 44%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2001 Volkswagen LTs registered in 2001. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score