2007 Volkswagen Passat 1.9L Diesel · RA07 XHS

This Volkswagen Passat’s most recent MOT test on 2022-10-24 confirms it passed without defects, though it was retested just four days earlier after a failure at 125,393 miles. The pattern of three consecutive failures at 123,076 miles in October 2021—all on the same test date—suggests a recurring issue that was resolved before the 2022 tests. While the vehicle has since cleared inspections, the clustered failures in 2021 imply either a critical component nearing failure or a test centre’s procedural oversight. The absence of advisories or repeated faults in the later tests suggests the underlying problem was addressed, but the lack of a clear explanation for the 2021 failures raises questions about whether the vehicle was driven between tests or if the issue was intermittent. The recorded mileage of 125,422 miles at the latest test reflects an average of approximately 6,600 miles per year, which is typical for a vehicle of this age. There are no significant gaps or spikes in mileage between tests, indicating consistent usage without prolonged periods of inactivity or aggressive driving. The 2021 failures occurred at nearly identical mileages, suggesting the issue was not mileage-related but rather a mechanical or electrical fault that required intervention. The absence of any further tests or advisories in the intervening years means the vehicle was either not driven or not tested, leaving a notable gap in oversight between October 2022 and the present. Given the 2021 failures, a buyer should prioritise inspecting the braking system, suspension components, and electrical systems—areas commonly flagged in clustered MOT failures. The rear brakes were likely the issue in 2021, given their propensity for repeated faults, so check for uneven wear, binding calipers, or seized wheel cylinders. Suspension bushes and coil springs should be examined for excessive wear or corrosion, particularly around the rear axle where failures often cluster. Additionally, the electrical system—including lights, indicators, and the immobiliser—should be thoroughly tested, as these are frequent causes of MOT failures. Structural corrosion, especially around wheel arches and sills, should also be assessed, as this is a common silent risk in vehicles of this age.