2018 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · SB68 AUL

The Volkswagen Crafter’s most recent MOT test on 2026-07-24 shows a concerning pattern of repeated failures at the same mileage—both in December 2025 and December 2024—despite no defects being recorded on passing tests. This inconsistency suggests either a test centre error, a vehicle that narrowly avoids failure on some occasions, or a failure to address underlying issues between tests. The lack of advisories or defects on passing tests implies the tester may have overlooked critical components, but the repeated failures at identical mileages warrant scrutiny of high-wear items like brakes, suspension, or emissions systems. The vehicle’s mileage progression indicates aggressive use, with roughly 12,270 miles logged annually over the past three years. Between December 2023 and December 2024, the mileage jumped from 69,101 to 82,344—a 13,243-mile increase in under a year—followed by another 15,819 miles by December 2025. This rapid accumulation suggests either commercial or high-mileage private use, which accelerates wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers. The absence of intermediate MOTs or service records means critical maintenance intervals may have been missed, leaving components like differential fluid, timing belts, and exhaust systems at higher risk of failure. Given the repeated failures at identical mileages, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly rear calipers and discs, which are often overlooked until they bind or seize. The suspension should be checked for worn or leaking bushes, corroded coil springs, and uneven tyre wear—all signs of prolonged high-mileage use. Corrosion in wheel arches, subframes, and exhaust mounts should also be examined, as this vehicle’s age and mileage increase the likelihood of structural fatigue. Emissions systems, including the DPF (if applicable) and EGR valves, may have been the cause of past failures, so their condition should be verified. Finally, the engine bay should be inspected for oil leaks, timing belt tensioner wear, and coolant system integrity, as these are often neglected until catastrophic failure.