Volkswagen Crafter reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volkswagen Crafter is a van. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 108 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 7 of 42, and 30.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is rbt (sp) (5.8% of tests).
Ranked 7 of 42 vans and pickups in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 7,182 Volkswagen Crafters aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 30.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volkswagen Crafter is 7% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 12.9% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
30.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
12.9%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
12,500
Typical age at test: 10 years
Volkswagen Crafter MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volkswagen Crafter MOT faults
- Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements5.8% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction4.0% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.8% of tests
- Service brake performance: excessively binding2.4% of tests
- Rbt (sp): efficiency less than 50% of the required value2.3% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0% of tests
What the Volkswagen Crafter fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 15.2% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Lights and electrics | 12.1% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 5.4% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Suspension | 5.2% | ▼ 53% less often |
| Visibility | 4.6% | About average |
| Tyres | 3.0% | ▼ 60% less often |
| Body and structure | 2.9% | ▼ 30% less often |
| Steering | 2.7% | About average |
| Seat belts and airbags | 2.2% | ▲ 1.9× as often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 74% less often |
Volkswagen Crafter specs and running costs
Official figures for 16 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2010.
Fuel types
Diesel
Official economy
25.4–29.7 mpg
CO2
230–288 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (88ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.364 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28.5 mpg | 261g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (88ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.727 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 25.4 mpg | 233g | £760 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (108ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.364 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 27.7 mpg | 269g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (108ps) Shiftmatic ( Axle Ratio 4.182 )A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.7 mpg | 250g | £760 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (108ps) Shiftmatic ( Axle Ratio 4.364 )A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.1 mpg | 230g | £760 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (136ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.182 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28 mpg | 267g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (136ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.364 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 27.2 mpg | 274g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (136ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.727 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 25.9 mpg | 288g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (163ps) ( Axle Ratio 3.923 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28.2 mpg | 264g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (136ps) Shiftmatic ( Axle Ratio 4.182 )A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.1 mpg | 255g | £760 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (136ps) Shiftmatic ( Axle Ratio 4.364 )A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28.5 mpg | 261g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (136ps) Shiftmatic ( Axle Ratio 4.727 )A6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28 mpg | 266g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (163ps) ( Axle Ratio 3.692 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28.8 mpg | 258g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (108ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.182 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 28.5 mpg | 261g | £790 |
| Crafter 2.5 TDI (108ps) ( Axle Ratio 4.727 )M6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 26.6 mpg | 280g | £790 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 16 versions.
What a Volkswagen Crafter costs to fuel
- diesel, typical official 28.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
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Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volkswagen Crafter reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volkswagen Crafter is 7% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 108 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volkswagen Crafter?
The most common MOT fault is “Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements”, found in 5.8% of tests. It fails on brakes and seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›How many Volkswagen Crafters fail their MOT?
30.0% of Volkswagen Crafters aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 12.9% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volkswagen Crafter combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.