Volkswagen

Volkswagen Crafter (2018)

5,894 real MOT outcomes analysed • 81% first-time pass rate

2018 Volkswagen Crafter

CarHunch analysed 5,894 real MOT records for the 2018 Volkswagen Crafter. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2018 Volkswagen Crafter's first-time pass rate of 79.7% sits fractionally below the UK average of 80%, which is broadly respectable for a commercial vehicle of this age—but the concerning figure is that nearly a quarter (24.4%) have experienced a dangerous defect at some point, which is well above the norm and a genuine buyer concern. Almost all examples are diesel, so fuel type isn't a differentiator here.

At 87,500 miles median, these Crafters are running at reasonable mileage for a six-year-old workhorse, suggesting they're mostly being used hard but not abused. Owners typically face 1.27 failures and 4.8 advisories per test, indicating that while major issues aren't universal, wear-and-tear problems are common—so budget for regular maintenance and always have any used example inspected by a mechanic experienced with commercial vehicles before committing.

The 2018 Volkswagen Crafter passes its MOT first time at roughly the UK average rate (81%) — solid but worth checking this vehicle's history carefully.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
81%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
24.4%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.27
Over 5.9 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
87k
Middle half: 61k–119k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 4.8 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 5,894 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Average reliability — agree?

What tends to go wrong

Across 5,894 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Other issues 41.6%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view · Engine MIL inoperative or indicates a malfunction · …
Tyre wear 28.7%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 22.8%
Parking brake efficiency below requirements · Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Rear Brake pad(s) wearing thin · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Suspension & steering 11.4%
Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play · Offside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint has slight play · Offside Front Suspension arm ball joint has slight play · …
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2018.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 5,894 Volkswagen Crafter cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2018 Volkswagen Crafter

Based on MOT data from 5,894 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 24.4% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (100%) 5,893 81% 1.27

Colour Breakdown

Based on 73,669 Volkswagen Crafter vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

White 73.8%
54,335
Silver 8.8%
6,476
Grey 4.7%
3,491
Blue 4.1%
3,051
Black 3.4%
2,479
Red 2.8%
2,066
Green 1%
769
Yellow 0.8%
563
Brown 0.3%
204
Orange 0.2%
137
Multi-colour 0.1%
65
Purple 0%
33

Mileage Distribution

Most 2018 Volkswagen Crafter vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

87,457
typical
60,631
low mileage
118,738
high mileage

Half of all 2018 Volkswagen Crafter vehicles fall between 60,631 and 118,738 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 60,631 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
60,631–118,738 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2018 Volkswagen Crafters sit.
Over 160,296 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2018 Volkswagen Crafter — Still on the Road

Almost all 2018 Volkswagen Crafters are still on the road.

Strong survival — 5,048 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 94% of the peak.

5,394 5,048 2021 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2021–2025.

MOT History Averages

5.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.27
Avg failures per vehicle
4.8
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Volkswagen Crafter: All Crafter years → Which year to buy? →
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021 2022

Or browse all models: Volkswagen →

Volkswagen logo

Compare with another model

See how the 2018 Volkswagen Crafter stacks up against a rival.

Average reliability — agree?