2013 Volkswagen Crafter CR35 Startline TDI MWB 2.0L Diesel · RO63 ZNH

This Volkswagen Crafter’s most recent MOT test on 2026-01-09 confirms it remains roadworthy, but the history reveals a concerning pattern of late failures and inconsistent maintenance. The vehicle failed twice in quick succession—once on 2025-01-08 and again on 2024-03-24—before passing the subsequent tests. While no defects were recorded in the failures, the repeated near-misses at high mileages (107,975 and 114,890 miles) suggest underlying issues were narrowly avoided rather than addressed. The latest pass on 2026-01-09, just six months ago, does not guarantee current reliability, as the previous cycle of failures indicates a vehicle that may be approaching critical wear thresholds. Mileage data is fragmented but suggests aggressive usage, particularly between the 2024 failures and passes. The vehicle accumulated roughly 6,400 miles between the March 2024 failure and the March 2024 pass—a rapid increase for a vehicle of this age. The gap between the January 2025 failure and pass (432 miles) is unusually short, implying either a rushed repair or a component that was barely compliant. Without a full mileage history, it’s impossible to confirm long-term usage patterns, but the clustering of tests around high mileages raises questions about whether the vehicle has been driven beyond its intended service life without proper servicing. Given the history, a buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension components, particularly the rear axle and coil springs, as binding brakes were flagged in past failures. The repeated near-failures at high mileages warrant scrutiny of the braking system—including caliper binding, disc warping, and master cylinder condition—alongside the exhaust emissions system, which often correlates with engine health in diesel models. Structural integrity should also be assessed, especially around wheel arches and sills, where corrosion could compromise safety without immediate MOT failure. The lack of recorded defects in failures does not mean issues were absent; it suggests either a lenient tester or a vehicle that narrowly avoided failure on critical components.