Common problems by part
Volkswagen Caravelle windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 3,518 MOT tests · Updated
At 6 years, 1.4 in 100 MOT tests of the Volkswagen Caravelle failed on windscreen, wipers and mirrors, against 3.3 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 3,518 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 49 MOT tests with a fail
- When it starts: clear of 1.2 times from 24 years and at every older age seen
- Most common fail: Wipers not clearing screen, 0.7 per 100 MOT tests
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
1.4 fails per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 3.3 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 6 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A windscreen, wipers and mirrors fail stops the car passing until it is fixed; the most common one is rated major by DVSA.
What to check
Check the windscreen for chips or cracks in front of the driver, run the wipers and washers, and make sure both door mirrors are intact and adjust.
The Volkswagen Caravelle is a commercial or van-based vehicle: it is compared with all class 4 vehicles, cars and vans together, so part of any difference can come from how vans are used.
Volkswagen Caravelle windscreen, wipers and mirrors fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2,174 | 1.2 | 2.8 |
| 4 | 2,716 | 1.3 | 3.6 |
| 5 | 3,188 | 1.2 | 3.4 |
| 6 | 3,518 | 1.4 | 3.3 |
| 7 | 3,364 | 1.7 | 3.4 |
| 8 | 3,360 | 2.2 | 3.7 |
| 9 | 3,086 | 3.3 | 4.0 |
| 10 | 2,854 | 4.1 | 4.4 |
| 11 | 2,832 | 4.1 | 4.8 |
| 12 | 2,788 | 4.5 | 5.2 |
| 13 | 2,522 | 4.6 | 5.6 |
| 14 | 2,247 | 5.4 | 6.1 |
| 15 | 2,193 | 6.3 | 6.5 |
| 16 | 2,197 | 6.6 | 6.8 |
| 17 | 2,466 | 6.0 | 7.1 |
| 18 | 2,413 | 5.4 | 7.3 |
| 19* | 2,385 | 5.2 | 7.5 |
| 20* | 2,498 | 5.3 | 7.6 |
| 21* | 2,484 | 7.6 | 7.5 |
| 22* | 2,499 | 7.2 | 7.4 |
| 23* | 2,335 | 9.2 | 7.3 |
| 24* | 2,049 | 9.7 | 6.9 |
| 25* | 1,805 | 10.3 | 6.7 |
All first-use years of the Volkswagen Caravelle pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.
What fails in the windscreen, wipers and mirrors at 6 years
Fails
- Wipers not clearing screen: 0.7 fails per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.8. Replace wiper blade: estimated £15–£30 (0.1–0.2 h at £78/h (ONS local-garage repair quotes, 1,058 quotes from 65 garages, Sep 2025 to Aug 2026) + parts £7–£14) Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively MOT fail
Advisories (not fails)
- Windscreen: damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view: 3.4 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.8. Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (MOT minor defect)
- Wipers: blade defective: 0.6 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.1. Windscreen wiper blade defective (MOT minor defect)
Repair figures are estimates, not quotes: how we estimate repair costs.
Buying a Volkswagen Caravelle? Check that exact car before the viewing.
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
Check the windscreen for chips or cracks in front of the driver, run the wipers and washers, and make sure both door mirrors are intact and adjust.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Windscreen: damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view.
Check one Volkswagen Caravelle, not the average
The figures here describe Volkswagen Caravelle cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Volkswagen Caravelle's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Volkswagen Caravelle problems
- Volkswagen Caravelle suspension problems
- Volkswagen Caravelle brakes problems
- Volkswagen Caravelle lights and electrics problems
- Volkswagen Caravelle steering problems
- Volkswagen Caravelle body and structure problems
- Volkswagen Caravelle exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Volkswagen Caravelle tyres problems
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors on rival models
- Peugeot Boxer windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems: 3.3 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 1.4 for the Volkswagen Caravelle (11,139 MOT tests)
- Ford Tourneo windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems: 4.2 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 1.4 for the Volkswagen Caravelle (9,531 MOT tests)
- Mercedes-Benz V-Class windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems: 2.2 per 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 1.4 for the Volkswagen Caravelle (9,409 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Volkswagen Caravelle have more windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems than other cars?
1.4 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years, against 3.3 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 3,518 MOT tests).
How common are Volkswagen Caravelle windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems?
1.4 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years failed on windscreen, wipers and mirrors, against 3.3 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 3,518 MOT tests).
What is the most common Volkswagen Caravelle windscreen, wipers and mirrors fail?
0.7 in 100 MOT tests at 6 years: Wipers not clearing screen (24 MOT tests with it).
At what age do Volkswagen Caravelle windscreen, wipers and mirrors fails start?
24 years: from then on the rate stays clear of 1.2 times all class 4 vehicles the same age at every age seen, 3,854 MOT tests.
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 59,973 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
- Office for National Statistics, Consumer price inflation, local price quotes (car repair items). ONS price quotes, series 610236. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare