2002 Volkswagen Passat 1.9L Diesel · SH02 AAX

The vehicle currently holds an unroadworthy status following a failed test on 24 February 2026, at 283,086 miles. While the car managed a clean pass in March 2025, the recent trend shows a pattern of immediate failure shortly after successful inspections. This suggests a reactive maintenance approach where repairs are only addressed to pass the test rather than through preventative care. The overall condition of the vehicle appears unstable as it has failed its most recent examination despite a previous pass. The mileage profile is consistent with a 24-year-old vehicle, averaging approximately 11,800 miles per annum. Between February 2024 and March 2025, the car covered 6,013 miles, which is significantly lower than the annual average. However, the vehicle then clocked 5,923 miles in the eleven months leading up to the February 2026 failure, indicating an increase in usage. This high mileage puts considerable strain on the drivetrain and suspension components, which are nearing the end of their typical service life on a Passat of this generation. A buyer must investigate the specific reasons for the February 2026 failure, as the provided record lacks the defect codes necessary to diagnose the fault. Given the high mileage and the aging chassis, a physical inspection should focus on structural corrosion in the sills, rear arches, and floor pans. The tester should also check for worn suspension bushes, perished rubber mounts, and coil springs which frequently fail at this mileage. The recurring failures immediately following passes often indicate that minor mechanical issues like oil leaks or exhaust emissions problems are being ignored or not monitored consistently.