2021 Volkswagen T-Cross: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross?

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

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Volkswagen T-Cross

  13.4% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  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

  11.8% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.3%, against 1.1% 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.

Common 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross MOT failures and advisories

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
  21% 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.

• 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.

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

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

• 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.

• Suspension
  2% 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.

Known faults on the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross

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.

• Seatbelt warning software and electrical faults

  All engines

  An instrument cluster fault could stop the rear seatbelt warning. About 15% of owners reported faults, mainly electrics and exhaust, and two-thirds of those cars were off the road over a week.

  At the viewing: Ask whether the software was updated, and test the screen and reversing camera.

  Source: What Car?: used Volkswagen T-Cross (2019 on) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross

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

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2021 Volkswagen T-Cross as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?