Used car guide

2021 Volkswagen T-Cross: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Volkswagen T-Crosss, from 8,323 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

8,323MOT tests in 2025
90%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
6,800typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2021 Volkswagen T-Crosss than on all cars registered in 2021.

  • Brake discs2× usual
    Volkswagen T-Cross
    14.1% All 2021 cars
    7.1%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.1%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Brake pads1.9× usual
    Volkswagen T-Cross
    12.6% All 2021 cars
    6.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

  • Track rod ends9× usual
    Volkswagen T-Cross
    2.7% All 2021 cars
    0.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

    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 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    23% 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.

  • Brakes
    21% 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
    4% 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.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    3% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    3% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Lights and electrics
    2% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20226,390Tyres 18%
20207,547Tyres 27%
20196,797Tyres 28%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Volkswagen T-Crosss registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score