Volkswagen California MOT Check
MOT pass rates, common failures, and reliability data for the Volkswagen California. Check any California by registration number below.
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81.5%
Avg Pass Rate
-4.2%
vs Volkswagen Avg
21
Year Ranges
Good
Reliability
Volkswagen California — MOT Reliability Overview
The Volkswagen California has an average MOT pass rate of 81.5%, which is 4.2 percentage points below the Volkswagen brand average of 85.7%. This is a strong result, indicating that the California is well-engineered and tends to age well mechanically. Owners can expect fewer surprises at MOT time.
The most common reasons a Volkswagen California fails its MOT are a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, an srs malfunction indicator lamp (mil) indicates a system malfunction, warning device shows system malfunction. If you are preparing your California for its MOT, checking these areas first could save you a retest fee. Our detailed fault analysis includes estimated repair costs for each failure type.
Before buying a used Volkswagen California, we recommend checking the full MOT history, write-off status, outstanding finance, and stolen vehicle status. These checks can be done for free using the registration number.
MOT Pass Rate by Year
How the Volkswagen California performs at MOT across different model years.
2021
Based on 35 vehicles
0.0%
37k mi
2020
Based on 257 vehicles
3.4%
10.9%
31k mi
48k mi
2019
Based on 2,741 vehicles
3.0%
11.5%
35k mi
52k mi
2018
Based on 2,854 vehicles
2.8%
11.3%
52k mi
2017
Based on 3,134 vehicles
2.9%
12.1%
56k mi
2016
Based on 2,124 vehicles
2.4%
16.3%
2015
Based on 2,190 vehicles
2.9%
18.1%
102k mi
2014
Based on 1,805 vehicles
3.4%
19.9%
104k mi
2013
Based on 1,471 vehicles
3.0%
16.5%
106k mi
2012
Based on 1,415 vehicles
4.0%
24.4%
108k mi
2011
Based on 922 vehicles
2.6%
23.1%
2010
Based on 825 vehicles
2.6%
19.2%
2009
Based on 130 vehicles
1.2%
22.2%
2008
Based on 174 vehicles
6.2%
22.7%
2007
Based on 131 vehicles
2.5%
18.5%
2006
Based on 86 vehicles
5.7%
17.0%
2005
Based on 38 vehicles
5.0%
55.0%
2000
Based on 58 vehicles
1997
Based on 65 vehicles
1991
Based on 41 vehicles
0.0%
0
Based on 9,654 vehicles
52k mi
Top MOT Failures — Volkswagen California
The most common reasons a Volkswagen California fails its MOT, aggregated across all year ranges.
A spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened
An SRS malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) indicates a system malfunction
Warning device shows system malfunction
Wiper blade missing or obviously not clearing the windscreen
A steering ball joint with excessive wear or free play
Where Failures Occur
The areas of the vehicle most commonly flagged during MOT inspections.
Front Nearside
Other Volkswagen Models
Compare MOT reliability across Volkswagen models.
Volkswagen California — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Volkswagen California MOT and reliability.
What is the MOT pass rate for the Volkswagen California?
What are the most common MOT failures on a Volkswagen California?
Is the Volkswagen California reliable?
How do I check the MOT history of a Volkswagen California?
What mileage should I expect on a Volkswagen California?
Check Your Volkswagen California's MOT History
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