Used car guide

2007 Volkswagen Transporter: known problems and what to check

Too few Volkswagen Transporter cars first registered in 2007 had an MOT during 2025 for reliable MOT figures. Here’s what we do know about the 2007 Volkswagen Transporter, and what to check before you buy one.

1,336on the UK register at the end of 2025
Dieselfuel type
6known faults listed below

Known faults on the 2007 Volkswagen Transporter

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.

  • Fire-risk and handbrake recalls

    All engines

    Recalls covered a fuel pipe and fuel pump cover bolts that could cause a fire, a handbrake that could release by itself (over 8,000 vans), a steering rack that could come loose, second-row seat backrests and cooling fan wiring.

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

    Source: Haynes: VW T5 common problems (2003-2015)

  • Blocked EGR valve

    Diesel

    A blocked EGR valve causes stalling, judder and hunting revs. The fix is a new EGR valve and cooler.

    At the viewing: Let it idle and listen for uneven revs, and check for warning lights.

    Source: Haynes: VW T5 common problems (2003-2015)

  • Oil leak between engine and gearbox

    All engines

    Badly threaded flywheel bolt holes can let oil leak where the engine meets the gearbox. Fixing it means taking the gearbox off.

    At the viewing: Look under the van between the engine and gearbox for oil.

    Source: Haynes: VW T5 common problems (2003-2015)

  • Hard starting (camshaft sensor)

    All engines

    A failing camshaft position sensor can make it hard to start.

    At the viewing: Start it from cold.

    Source: Haynes: VW T5 common problems (2003-2015)

  • Exhaust whistle or fumes in the cab

    Diesel

    A failed exhaust manifold gasket causes a whistle and can let fumes into the cab.

    At the viewing: Listen for a whistle under load and sniff for fumes.

    Source: Haynes: VW T5 common problems (2003-2015)

  • False sliding door warning

    All engines

    The door switch can be out of adjustment, so the van thinks the sliding door is open.

    At the viewing: Shut all doors and make sure no warning shows.

    Source: Haynes: VW T5 common problems (2003-2015)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2007 Volkswagen Transporter

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

  1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a VW dealer confirm from the VIN?
  2. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

What to check on a 2007 car

  • MOT history

    Check the reg below: its MOT history shows what has been failed or advised, and whether the mileage adds up.

  • Service history

    Look for regular servicing and receipts for big jobs like a cambelt or clutch.

  • Finance and write-offs

    MOT records don’t show outstanding finance or insurance write-offs. A history check does.

  • Test drive

    Listen for knocks over bumps, check every warning light goes out, and make sure the gears and brakes feel right.

Looking at a Volkswagen Transporter?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

Every year of the Volkswagen Transporter compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2026–Too new for MOT data
2025–Too new for MOT data
2024–Too new for MOT data
2023–Too new for MOT data
2022–Too few tests
2021–Too few tests
2020–Too few tests
2019–Too few tests
2018–Too few tests
2017–Too few tests
2016–Too few tests
2015–Too few tests
2014–Too few tests
2013–Too few tests
2012–Too few tests
2011–Too few tests
2010–Too few tests
2009–Too few tests
2008–Too few tests
2006–Too few tests
2005–Too few tests
2004–Too few tests
2003–Too few tests
2002–Too few tests
2001–Too few tests
1999–Too few tests
1995–Too few tests
1994–Too few tests

Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score