Volkswagen California

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 18 model years from 14,086 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests

14,086

Highest Pass Rate

2019 (90%)

Years Covered

About the Volkswagen California

The Volkswagen California was MOT tested 14,086 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 18 model years (1991 to 2021), with an average pass rate of 83%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 model has the highest pass rate at 90% from 1,834 tests. The 2011 model has the lowest at 80%. The 10 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Californias pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 6 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

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.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1968cc)

£1,397

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£2,002

Per month£167/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2021 details

How reliable is the Volkswagen California?

vs average of all models+1% (82% avg)

vs Volkswagen brand average-2% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread10 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volkswagen California by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

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

Questions about the Volkswagen California

Is the Volkswagen California reliable?

Across its 18 model years in our data (1991 to 2021), the Volkswagen California averages an 83% MOT pass rate, from 14,086 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2019 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 90%.

Which year Volkswagen California has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2019 Volkswagen California has the highest MOT pass rate at 90%, while the 2011 model has the lowest at 80%, a 10 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.