Used car guide

2004 Volkswagen LT: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Volkswagen LTs, from 346 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 346 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

346MOT tests in 2025
56%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
7,800typical miles a year
1.8×the usual rate for engine oil leaks

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Volkswagen LTs than on all cars registered in 2004.

  • Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    28.6% All 2004 cars
    15.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2004 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.

  • Wheel bearings3.3× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    12.4% All 2004 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 1.3% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £120–£300 (one bearing) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for a hum or growl that changes as you steer at speed.

  • Ball joint2.1× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    13.6% All 2004 cars
    6.6%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 3% of all 2004 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 joints2.4× usual
    Volkswagen LT
    9% All 2004 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 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.

By area

The share of 2004 Volkswagen LT MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    53% 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
    47% 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
    44% 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
    32% 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.

  • Tyres
    22% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    17% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Looking at a Volkswagen LT?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2006249Brakes 51%
2005362Brakes 52%
2003266Brakes 47%
2002227Brakes 59%
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 2004 Volkswagen LTs registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score