Volkswagen California
Reliability, running costs, and MOT data across 18 years from 14,086 real MOT tests.
Avg Pass Rate
83%
Total Tests
14,086
Best Year
2019 (90%)
Years Covered
18
How reliable is the Volkswagen California?
Volkswagen California by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82% | 34 | 24,384 mi |
| 2020 | 89% | 163 | 25,656 mi |
| 2019 | 90% | 1,834 | 32,886 mi |
| 2018 | 89% | 1,916 | 40,337 mi |
| 2017 | 89% | 2,069 | 48,374 mi |
| 2016 | 86% | 1,492 | 54,415 mi |
| 2015 | 85% | 1,538 | 59,638 mi |
| 2014 | 84% | 1,293 | 65,769 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 1,019 | 73,000 mi |
| 2012 | 81% | 1,034 | 73,586 mi |
| 2011 | 80% | 667 | 77,345 mi |
| 2010 | 81% | 589 | 80,341 mi |
| 2009 | 84% | 99 | 86,953 mi |
| 2008 | 82% | 119 | 92,350 mi |
| 2007 | 83% | 96 | 115,434 mi |
| 2006 | 82% | 62 | 95,967 mi |
| 2005 | 65% | 31 | 130,050 mi |
| 1991 | 68% | 31 | 181,733 mi |
Checking a specific Volkswagen California?
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About the Volkswagen California
The Volkswagen California has been tested 14,086 times in 2024 MOT data across 18 model years (1991 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 83%. That's slightly above the national average of 82%. Available as diesel.
Best and Worst Years
The 2019 model is the most reliable with a 90% pass rate from 1,834 tests. The 2005 model has the lowest at 65%. With a 25 point spread, choosing the right year makes a big difference to reliability.
Reliability Trend
Newer VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 5 percentage points.
Mileage Across Years
The oldest model in our data (1991) averages 181,733 miles, while the newest (2021) averages 24,384 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.
Click any year in the table above to see detailed running costs, individual reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.