Volkswagen Amarok years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
No Volkswagen Amarok year has an MOT pass rate clearly below the average for vehicles first used in the same year. Above it: 2012–2014. The other 6 years can't be told apart from average.
- Below the average for their first-use yearNone
- Above the average for their first-use year2012–2014
- Can't be told apart from average2015–2020
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 75.2% to 76.4%.
In 2025, 75.8% of the 19,139 initial MOT tests on Volkswagen Amarok cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 75.6%. That is about average: the difference from the same-age average is within the margin of error.
Check a specific Amarok
Volkswagen Amarok MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020age 5 | 1,56261,100 | 84.8%±1.9 | −1.2 ptsall: 86.0% | |
| 2019age 6 | 2,94668,800 | 82.6%±1.5 | −0.9 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 2,53781,500 | 80.4%±1.6 | −0.5 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 2,08090,200 | 78.0%±1.9 | −0.2 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 2,34797,300 | 73.4%±1.9 | −1.5 ptsall: 74.9% | |
| 2015age 10 | 2,612106,600 | 70.5%±1.8 | −1.4 ptsall: 71.9% | |
| 2014age 11 | 2,127114,100 | 71.5%±2.0 | +2.9 ptsall: 68.6% | |
| 2013age 12 | 1,750129,300 | 69.1%±2.3 | +3.3 ptsall: 65.8% | |
| 2012age 13 | 1,178129,600 | 67.1%±2.8 | +3.6 ptsall: 63.5% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
85.3% of Volkswagen Amarok tests at 30,000 to 59,999 miles passed first time, against 67.8% at 120,000 miles or more. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 82.1% and 66.0%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30,000–59,999 | 3,038 | 85.3%±1.4 | +3.2 ptsall: 82.1% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 5,302 | 79.1%±1.2 | +4.2 ptsall: 74.9% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 4,850 | 74.3%±1.3 | +5.3 ptsall: 69.0% |
| 120,000 or more | 5,571 | 67.8%±1.3 | +1.8 ptsall: 66.0% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, Amarok tests were above average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Volkswagen Amarok tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: under 30,000. Every test had a usable odometer reading. How we count
Common Amarok problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen Amarok
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Parking brake efficiency below requirementsBrakes | 13.9%644 tests | 2.6% |
| Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunctionNoise, emissions, leaks | 12.3%572 tests | 5.6% |
| Service brake performance excessively bindingBrakes | 7.9%367 tests | 1.9% |
| Shock absorber has a serious fluid leakSuspension | 7.9%367 tests | 2.8% |
| Anti-roll bar pin or bush excessively wornSuspension | 7.3%339 tests | 0.2% |
| Parking brake performance inoperative on one sideBrakes | 7.3%338 tests | 1.2% |
| Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes | 7.1%328 tests | 8.0% |
| Parking brake efficiency less than 50% of the required valueBrakes | 6.5%302 tests | 0.6% |
| Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension | 6.5%301 tests | 9.0% |
| Rear fog lamp not workingLights and electrics | 5.4%248 tests | 1.2% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the Amarok's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a Amarok
Brakes
- On a clear road, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without juddering or pulling to one side.
- Check the handbrake holds the car on a slope.
- Look through the wheels at the brake discs for deep grooves or a raised lip at the edge.
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Suspension
- Push down hard on each corner. The car should rise once and settle, not keep bouncing.
- On the test drive, listen for knocks or clunks over speed bumps and potholes.
- The car should sit level when parked on flat ground.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a Amarok's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Volkswagen Amarok cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 4.3% failed on tyres, against 2.0% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,530 and 9,216 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 17.0% of those with a tyre advisory and 15.1% of the others.
Brakes
Of Volkswagen Amarok cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 13.1% failed on brakes, against 7.7% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,248 and 9,400 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 16.5% of those with a brake advisory and 15.2% of the others.
Suspension
Of Volkswagen Amarok cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a suspension advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 12.4% failed on suspension, against 6.1% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,271 and 9,321 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 14.4% of those with a suspension advisory and 15.5% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataVolkswagen Amarok questions
Which Volkswagen Amarok years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2012–2014. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Volkswagen Amarok reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 75.8% of initial MOT tests on Volkswagen Amarok cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 75.6%. That is about average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Volkswagen Amarok problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are brakes (in 40.5% of failed tests), lights and electrics (in 34.7% of failed tests) and suspension (in 24.9% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 10-year-old Volkswagen Amarok?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Volkswagen Amarok cars first used in 2015, about 10 years old, had a median of 106,600 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific Amarok's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Volkswagen Amarok
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Volkswagen models
- Volkswagen Golf+4.8 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Polo−3.1 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Transporter−1.9 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Tiguan+4.0 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Passat+2.7 pts against the same-age average
- Volkswagen Caddy−2.5 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 24 Volkswagen modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Volkswagen Amarok cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count