2017 Volkswagen Crafter 2.0L Diesel · GD66 PRZ

The Volkswagen Crafter’s most recent MOT history reveals a concerning pattern of repeated failures despite no recorded defects on test days. The vehicle failed twice in January 2026—just five days apart—before passing on the 14th, a sequence that strongly suggests either administrative oversight or a critical issue not captured in the official record. The lack of specific fault codes implies either a minor procedural failure (e.g., test centre error) or a recurring problem that evaded detection during the test window. However, the absence of advisories or defects in prior passes suggests the vehicle has not suffered catastrophic wear. That said, the repeated failures at the same mileage (131,342) warrant scrutiny of components prone to intermittent failure, such as brake binding, suspension misalignment, or electrical faults in modern diagnostics. The recorded mileage of 131,342 miles over nine years equates to an average of 14,594 miles annually, which is unusually high for a commercial van of this age. This rate of usage implies significant wear on high-stress components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and drivetrain bearings. The mileage increments between tests—around 4,982 miles between January 2025 and January 2026—suggest consistent usage without prolonged periods of inactivity, which could accelerate consumable failure. Notably, the gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (5,000 miles) is identical, reinforcing a steady, high-mileage pattern rather than sporadic use. Given the repeated failures and the vehicle’s age, a prospective buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the braking system, particularly rear calipers and binding mechanisms, which are common causes of MOT failures in vans. The suspension should be assessed for worn or leaking bushes, sagging coil springs, and corrosion at mounting points, especially in the rear where load-bearing stress is highest. Exhaust emissions should also be checked, as modern vans often fail for catalytic converter efficiency or sensor faults. Structural integrity—particularly around wheel arches, sills, and underbody—must be examined for rust penetration, as high mileage and potential exposure to salt or moisture could compromise the chassis. The electrical system, including diagnostics and lighting, should be tested rigorously, given the vehicle’s age and the lack of specific fault codes in past failures.