Part of the Volkswagen Passat B8 (2014–2023) guide: best and worst years compared.
2020 Volkswagen Passat: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 Volkswagen Passats, from 5,842 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2020 Volkswagen Passats than on all cars registered in 2020.
- Shock absorbers5.5× usualVolkswagen Passat10.9% All 2020 cars2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.3% of all 2020 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
By area
The share of 2020 Volkswagen Passat MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres27% 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.
- Brakes17% 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.
- Suspension12% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors4% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Lights and electrics3% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Seats and seatbelts2% of testsRough price £80–£250
At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
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.
- Power steeringAll engines
Check the power steering is even and quiet.
At the viewing: Turn lock to lock at a standstill and listen.
- DSG automaticDSG automatic
The DSG automatic is a possible concern. It needs its oil changing on time.
At the viewing: Pull away gently several times and check for judder.
If it needs doing: Gearbox sensor or solenoid, about £200–£500. ClickMechanic
- Worn suspension from towingAll engines
Estates that have towed or carried heavy loads can have tired suspension.
At the viewing: Look for a towbar and listen for knocks over bumps.
If it needs doing: Shock absorbers (pair), about £200–£300. ClickMechanic
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2,480 | Tyres 28% |
| 2021 | 3,675 | Tyres 28% |
| 2019 | 7,334 | Tyres 29% |
| 2018 | 10,770 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 13,909 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 14,973 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 15,235 | Tyres 32% |
| 2014 | 14,561 | Suspension 43% |
| 2013 | 11,677 | Suspension 46% |
| 2012 | 13,143 | Suspension 50% |
| 2011 | 15,088 | Suspension 53% |
| 2010 | 9,953 | Suspension 56% |
| 2009 | 9,559 | Suspension 56% |
| 2008 | 7,455 | Suspension 57% |
| 2007 | 6,006 | Suspension 59% |
| 2006 | 3,912 | Suspension 61% |
| 2005 | 2,928 | Suspension 51% |
| 2004 | 2,404 | Suspension 49% |
| 2003 | 2,104 | Suspension 51% |
| 2002 | 1,324 | Suspension 50% |
| 2001 | 774 | Suspension 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2020 Volkswagen Passats registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score