2020 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 Trendline TDI 2.0L Diesel · GL20 GFA

The Volkswagen Crafter’s most recent MOT test on 2026-07-24 shows it passed on 2025-12-02 at 86,405 miles, but the preceding three tests—all within a 28-day window in late 2025—were failures without recorded defects. This suggests either a test centre error or a vehicle that narrowly avoided minor issues during inspection. The 2024 tests, however, reveal a more concerning pattern: two failures in September and November, followed by a pass in late November at 71,197 miles. The lack of specific defect codes makes it impossible to pinpoint recurring problems, but the clustering of failures implies either inconsistent testing or a vehicle that consistently operates near failure thresholds. The recorded mileage of 86,405 miles over five years—approximately 14,401 miles annually—is unusually high for a vehicle of this age, particularly given the TDI’s typical durability. The gap between the 2024 and 2025 tests (around 15,208 miles in 11 months) suggests rapid usage, which could accelerate wear on suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake components. The absence of advisories or defect codes in any test means no critical failures were formally noted, but the frequency of retests raises questions about whether minor issues were overlooked or consistently resolved just before inspection. Given the lack of specific defect data, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of suspension integrity, particularly rear coil springs and bushes, which often fail without obvious warning. The brakes—especially rear calipers—should be checked for binding or uneven wear, as repeated near-failures could indicate a history of neglect or improper maintenance. Exhaust emissions should also be verified, as TDI engines are prone to DPF or EGR system issues that may not always trigger MOT failures but could affect long-term reliability. Structural corrosion, particularly around wheel arches and underbody, warrants scrutiny given the vehicle’s age and mileage.