Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI (2011)
2011 Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI
CarHunch analysed 788 real MOT records for the 2011 Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
This 2011 Passat is a significant reliability concern: only 42% pass MOT first time, nearly half the UK average of 80%, which means most owners face re-tests and repair costs. The good news is that dangerous defects are absent from this cohort, so failures tend to be fixable rather than safety-critical.
At 125,000 miles median, these cars are well-used but not exceptional for their age, and the 0.48 average failures per vehicle tells you that faults, while common, aren't catastrophic when they appear. Before buying, have an independent pre-purchase inspection focusing on the known weak spots that created this poor pass rate—likely suspension, emissions systems, or brakes on TDI diesels of this era.
What to check before buying a 2011 Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diesel (99%) | 784 | 41.6% | 0.48 |
| Gas Bi-Fuel (1%) | 4 | 79.5% | 1.75 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2011 Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2011 Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI vehicles fall between 105,048 and 147,845 miles.
2011 Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI — Still on the Road
215 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 — 64% of the peak remain.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2025.
MOT History Averages
Found a specific Volkswagen Passat S Bluemotion Tech TDI?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.