Used car guide

2023 Volkswagen Transporter: known problems and what to check

Cars registered in 2023 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2023 Volkswagen Transporter, and what to check before you buy one.

320on the UK register at the end of 2025
2026first MOT due
Dieselfuel type
5known faults listed below

Known faults on the 2023 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.

  • 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 2023 Volkswagen Transporter

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. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

What to check on a 2023 car

  • Warranty left

    Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.

  • Servicing

    Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.

  • Finance

    Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.

  • Recalls

    Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.

  • Logbook (V5C)

    The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.

Check for recalls on GOV.UK

Looking at a Volkswagen Transporter?

Check the actual car: tax, ULEZ, fuel costs 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
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
2007–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