2017 Volkswagen Caravelle: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  9.1% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Coil springs2.5× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  5.2% All 2017 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.7%, against 1.5% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

• Shock absorbers2× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  6.2% All 2017 cars

  3.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.6% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Windscreen2× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  4.3% All 2017 cars

  2.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

• Engine warning light2.3× usual
  Volkswagen Caravelle

  2.5% All 2017 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.1% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

Common 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  26% 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.

• Suspension
  21% 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.

• Brakes
  16% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  8% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  4% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle

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.

• Fuel hose and airbag recalls

  All engines

  A large number were recalled for faulty fuel hoses, and others for passenger airbags, tyres, child locks and door cables that could freeze.

  At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

• Squealing auxiliary belt

  All engines

  A failing auxiliary belt squeals, and if it breaks it can take out the power steering and air con and damage the pump and alternator pulleys.

  At the viewing: Listen at start-up and look at the belt for cracks.

  Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

• ABS and ESP warning lights

  All engines

  Dirt in the wheel bearings can upset the wheel-speed sensors and bring on ABS and ESP warnings.

  At the viewing: Make sure the ABS and ESP lights go out.

  Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

• Fuel pressure sensor (2.0 TDI)

  2.0 TDI

  A faulty fuel pressure sensor brings on the engine and glow plug lights.

  At the viewing: Make sure there are no warning lights.

  Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

• High-level brake light failing

  All engines

  The high-level brake light can fail, which is an MOT fail. The only fix is a new, improved unit.

  At the viewing: Have someone check all the brake lights.

  Source: Haynes: VW Transporter T6 common problems (2015-2024)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the fuel hose recall been done? Can a VW dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2017 Volkswagen Caravelle as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?