Reliability Report · Multi-Source Data

Volkswagen Phaeton (2004–2006) Reliability

The Volkswagen Phaeton (2004–2006) scores 91/100 on our composite reliability index — excellent territory — drawn from DVSA, NHTSA data. Estimated used prices span €9,700–€15,200.

Composite Score
91
/ 100
Excellent
Sources: DVSA · NHTSA · latest 2026
Market Snapshot
Listed model years2004–2006
Est. used price€9,700–€15,200
Documented issues0
Listings in catalogue11
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Reliability data covers the model. A VIN history report covers the exact Volkswagen Phaeton you're looking at — accident and write-off records, mileage rollback, outstanding finance and theft checks.

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Reliability by Source

Each independent organization measures reliability differently. TÜV reports inspection defect rates by age band. ADAC reports pan-European breakdowns per 1,000 vehicles. NHTSA aggregates US consumer complaints. DVSA MOT data is the UK fleet's annual safety inspection — every car 3+ years old. Lower variance across sources = higher confidence in the composite.

NHTSA (US Complaints)
Model years 2002–2008 · 2026 report · n=1
1 complaints across 1 sampled year(s); resolved model="PHAETON (4 PASS.)"
View source ↗
100
/ 100
DVSA MOT (UK Inspections)
Model years 2003–2013 · 2023 report · n=938
938 UK MOT tests · overall 22.6% fail rate vs UK fleet baseline
View source ↗
84
/ 100

UK MOT Reliability Detail

Based on 938 MOT tests in the UK during the 2023 reporting period. Score for each age band reflects this model's fail rate vs the UK-fleet baseline fail rate at the same age — a generation-aware metric.

Age 10–14 yrs
84
20.5% fail vs 32.1% fleet
537 tests
Age 15–20 yrs
84
25.4% fail vs 38.8% fleet
401 tests

Most Common MOT Failure Categories

#1
Condition
75
32.9%
#2
Registration plate lamp(s)
45
19.7%
#3
Headlamp aim
37
16.2%
#4
Rbt (sp)
37
16.2%
#5
Headlamp
34
14.9%

Categories ranked across all MOT tests of this model in the UK during the 2023 period. "Condition" covers cosmetic / wear issues; suspension and braking dominate the rest.

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