Used car guide

2002 Volkswagen LT: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Volkswagen LTs, from 227 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 227 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

227MOT tests in 2025
53%pass first time (all 2002 cars: 60%)
6,800typical miles a year
3.4×the usual rate for ball joint

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Volkswagen LTs than on all cars registered in 2002.

  • Ball joint3.4× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    20.3% All 2002 cars
    5.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 2.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Steering rack inner joints4.2× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    15.4% All 2002 cars
    3.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Body structure rust or damage3.6× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    13.2% All 2002 cars
    3.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£1,000 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look underneath and along the sills for flaky rust or fresh underseal hiding it.

By area

The share of 2002 Volkswagen LT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    59% 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
    45% 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
    36% 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
    23% 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.

  • Rust and bodywork
    20% of testsRough price £150–£1,000

    At the viewing: Check the sills, wheel arches and underneath for rust, and look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint.

  • Tyres
    19% 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.

Looking at a Volkswagen LT?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006249Brakes 51%
2005362Brakes 52%
2004346Brakes 53%
2003266Brakes 47%
2001134Brakes 51%
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 2002 Volkswagen LTs registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score