Volkswagen California Reliability and Common Problems
What the Volkswagen California fails its MOT on, with rough repair costs, and its MOT pass rate for each model year. Based on 14,086 MOT tests across 15 model years (DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024, retests included).
Segment: large car | Fuel: Diesel
86%
Volkswagen California pass rate
85%
Volkswagen average
82%
All-model average
The Volkswagen California has an average MOT pass rate of 86%, which is 1 point above the Volkswagen average and 4 points above the average across all models in our data. 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.
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What the Volkswagen California Fails Its MOT On
Of the 1,781 MOT tests on the Volkswagen California that failed at the first attempt in 2025, the share that failed on each part of the test, next to the share for all cars and vans of the same ages. A test that failed on two areas counts in both.
Suspension
35%Cars and vans the same age: 30% · Typical repair £150-£600
Tyres
26%Cars and vans the same age: 24% · Typical repair £50-£300
Brakes
22%Cars and vans the same age: 21% · Typical repair £80-£450
Lights and electrics
18%Cars and vans the same age: 34% (the California fails on this less often) · Typical repair £15-£200
Windscreen, wipers and mirrors
10%Cars and vans the same age: 15% (the California fails on this less often) · Typical repair £10-£350
The 3 single faults it failed on most
- Coil spring: fractured or broken (20% of failed tests, suspension)
- Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault (11% of failed tests, brakes)
- Tyre has ply or cords exposed (7.9% of failed tests, tyres)
Source: CarCostCheck analysis of DVSA anonymised MOT test results and failure items for 2025: first attempt at each MOT, fail and pass-after-repair defects, DVSA's defect categories (names shortened). Repair costs are rough UK ranges, not quotes. Method and national figures: MOT failure reasons 2025.
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Volkswagen California Reliability by Year
MOT pass rate for each model year, from DVSA data for tests carried out in 2024 (retests included). Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger. Highest and lowest are marked among years with 100+ tests that were at least three years old when tested. Fuel and engine size are a guide only.
| Year | Fuel | Engine | Pass Rate | Fail Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Diesel | 2.0L | 89% | 10% |
| 2019 | Diesel | 2.0L | 90% | 10% |
| 2018 | Diesel | 2.0L | 89% | 10% |
| 2017 | Diesel | 2.0L | 89% | 11% |
| 2016 | Diesel | 2.0L | 86% | 14% |
| 2015 | Diesel | 2.0L | 85% | 14% |
| 2014 | Diesel | 2.0L | 84% | 16% |
| 2013 | Diesel | 2.0L | 85% | 15% |
| 2012 | Diesel | 2.5L | 81% | 18% |
| 2011 | Diesel | 2.5L | 80% | 19% |
| 2010 | Diesel | 2.5L | 81% | 18% |
| 2009 | Diesel | 2.5L | 84% | 16% |
| 2008 | Diesel | 2.5L | 82% | 18% |
| 2007 | Diesel | 2.5L | 83% | 16% |
| 2006 | Diesel | 2.5L | 82% | 18% |
Volkswagen California Running Costs
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Volkswagen California FAQ
What are the most common Volkswagen California problems?
In 2025, MOT tests on the Volkswagen California that failed at the first attempt most often failed on suspension (35% of the 1,781 failed tests), tyres (26%) and brakes (22%). The single most common fault was "Coil spring: fractured or broken" (20%). Across 14,086 MOT tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included), 86% ended in a pass.
Is the Volkswagen California reliable?
The Volkswagen California has an average MOT pass rate of 86%, from 14,086 MOT tests. That is 4 points above the average across all models in our data (82%), a better than average result. Pass rates fall as cars age, so compare it with cars of a similar age.
Which year Volkswagen California is the most reliable?
Of the years with at least 100 tests that were old enough for a routine MOT, the 2019 Volkswagen California has the highest MOT pass rate: 90% of its 1,834 tests ended in a pass. The 2011 has the lowest at 80%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so the pass rate is only part of the picture.
How much does it cost to fix common Volkswagen California faults?
As a rough guide, brake work on a Volkswagen California typically costs £80-£450 and suspension repairs £150-£600, while exhaust and emissions fixes can cost £80-£800. Lighting and wiper fixes are usually under £200.
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Other Volkswagen Models
Common problems pages for other Volkswagen models