2001 Volkswagen Passat 1.9L Diesel · HV51 BFK
2001 Volkswagen Passat (1.9L, diesel). First registered 04 Sept 2001. Recorded mileage 143,150 miles. MOT valid until 01 Jul 2027. Taxed until 01 Sept 2026.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
- Year / Origin
- 2001 · Portsmouth
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 01 Jul 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Sept 2026)
- Recorded Mileage
- 143,150 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 1.9L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
HV51 BFK Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 03/07/2026
- 143,150 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 1 historical MOT failure
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (3 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
HV51 BFK MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2001 Volkswagen Passat (HV51 BFK) between June 2023 and July 2026.
The record contains 4 passes and 1 failure.
The most recent test on 03 July 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 1 failure that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Brakes (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 4 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Offside Front Brake hose excessively damaged (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Nearside Front Brake hose excessively damaged (1.1.12 (b) (ii))”; “Offside Front Inner Tyre has ply or cords exposed (5.2.3 (d) (ii))”.
HV51 BFK Mileage History
- 19/06/2023135,609 mi
- 21/06/2023135,609 mi
- 26/06/2024137,855 mi+2,246 mi
- 11/06/2025140,184 mi+2,329 mi
- 03/07/2026143,150 mi+2,966 mi
Average of roughly 2,482 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Passat Mk5 (B5)
Our database tracks 6 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution; while the Passat has maintained a consistent mileage profile, the MOT history shows recurring issues with brake corrosion and suspension components that suggest significant age-related wear.
When inspecting this specific Passat, prioritize the underside for rust corrosion. The MOT history shows multiple mentions of corroded brake pipes and back plates dating back to 2021, as well as corroded rear coil springs in 2024. Ensure that the brake lines have been replaced and not just cleaned, as corrosion was a recurring advisory point for this vehicle. You should also check for a full service history to ensure the 1.9L TDI engine has had timed belt changes, which are critical at this mileage interval.
Check the tyres and wheels thoroughly. The vehicle failed in 2023 due to a dangerous tyre with exposed cords and had multiple advisories for worn inner edges. This suggests the previous owner may have deferred alignment issues. Additionally, test all door handles; the 2016 failure involved the front passenger door failing to open from the inside, which may indicate lingering mechanical wear or internal latch issues.
The 1.9cc diesel engine is known for its fuel efficiency, likely achieving 45-50 mpg if driven sensibly. Given its age and engine type, it should fall into a lower tax band and modest insurance group, making it affordable for budget-conscious drivers.
Maintenance costs for this era are generally moderate, but expect to spend more on consumables like brakes and suspension parts. An estimated annual running cost, including fuel, tax, and basic maintenance, would be between £900 and £1,200.
Focus heavily on the braking system and suspension. The MOT history notes a binding rear brake and multiple corroded brake pipes. During the test drive, listen for clunking from the rear, which would indicate that the corroded coil springs noted in 2024 need replacement. Inspect the brake hoses for signs of cracking or bulging, as the car failed in 2023 with excessively damaged hoses.
Examine the front tyres for uneven wear, as the vehicle has a history of inner-edge wear which points to poor alignment. Also, check the CV boots on the front drive shafts for tears, as a severely deteriorated boot was a minor failure back in 2021.
This 2001 Volkswagen Passat Diesel has covered approximately 143,150 miles, which is relatively consistent for its 25-year age. While it has passed its three most recent MOTs, the history reveals a pattern of neglect regarding minor maintenance, specifically brake lines and coil springs. The vehicle appears to be a long-term survivor but requires a buyer willing to address potential structural rust and mechanical wear.
The 1.9 TDI engine used in this era is widely regarded for its longevity and durability, provided the timing belt is maintained correctly.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
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VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2001 model year cars.
- Cambelt changes due every 60,000 miles on belt-driven petrol and TDI enginesSerious
RAC's B5 used guides give the same instruction twice: on the 1997-2000 cars, new cam belts are due every 60,000 miles so check the work has been done, and on the 2000-2005 cars it is important to check the belts have been changed on the nose at that interval. Wikipedia's Passat (B5) engine data shows what is being driven - 1.8T 20v and 2.8 V6 petrols alongside the AHU/AHH 1.9 TDI pump-duse diesels and the later 2.0 TDI - all interference engines where a snapped belt means valve damage. On a car this cheap, the belt is the single most common reason a good Passat gets written off.
- High-mileage driveline wear: CV joints and boots, plus 4MOTION Torsen systemsModerate
RAC's B5.5 used guide tells buyers to check the CV joints and boots on higher-mileage cars, alongside confirming the power steering pump works and the air conditioning is fully gas charged. Wikipedia's engineering history for the same car explains why the four-wheel-drive examples deserve extra attention: the 4WD version was introduced in 1997 as an option on the 1.8, 2.8 V6, 1.9 TDI and 2.5 V6 TDI, used a second-generation Torsen T-2 centre differential and gave those cars fully independent rear suspension instead of the front-drive torsion beam. Grease-throwing split boots are the cheap fault; a binding driveline or worn differential is the expensive one.
- Plenum Chamber Scuttle Drain Blockage and Cabin Floor FloodingSerious
Beneath the windscreen scuttle panel sits the battery, brake servo, and pollen filter housing. Two small rubber drain grommets underneath the battery tray and brake servo frequently clog with leaf litter and road silt. During heavy UK rainfall, water pools in the scuttle and rises until it overflows into the cabin through the degraded foam seal of the pollen filter housing or ECU wiring box. Water gathers in the passenger footwell where the Comfort Control Module (CCM) and loom splices reside, corroding wiring and disabling windows, central locking, and alarm circuits.
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