Campervan · 1996–2021 cars
Volkswagen California reliability
The Volkswagen California fails 17.1% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 28,715 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Volkswagen California before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 17.1%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 19% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 28,715
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 6,800
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Volkswagen California ages
Each point is the share of Volkswagen Californias of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Volkswagen California | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 10.3% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 11.8% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 13.1% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 16.1% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 18% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 18.1% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 20.6% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 22.7% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 21.9% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 26.9% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 26.1% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 26% | 41.1% |
By year
The best and worst Volkswagen California years
2010 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 326 | 9.2% | 16% fewer fails | 22,536 |
| 2020 California | 1,158 | 9.8% | 15% fewer fails | 25,439 |
| 2019 California | 3,292 | 11.1% | 10% fewer fails | 26,167 |
| 2018 California | 3,936 | 12.6% | 9% fewer fails | 30,914 |
| 2017 California | 4,322 | 14.1% | 14% fewer fails | 38,810 |
| 2016 California | 2,893 | 17.1% | 11% fewer fails | 46,092 |
| 2015 California | 3,031 | 19% | 14% fewer fails | 50,114 |
| 2014 California | 2,505 | 20% | 21% fewer fails | 57,652 |
| 2013 California | 2,027 | 20.4% | 28% fewer fails | 62,505 |
| 2012 California | 1,950 | 24.5% | 21% fewer fails | 64,662 |
| 2011 California | 1,258 | 25% | 24% fewer fails | 68,645 |
| 2010 California | 1,078 | 23.5% | 34% fewer fails | 73,301 |
| 2008 | 243 | 29.2% | 26% fewer fails | 84,442 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Volkswagen California
Its weak spot is seat belts and airbags: 118% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Suspension5.2%2% below avg
- Tyres4.8%10% below avg
- Brakes3.6%17% below avg
- Lights and electrics3.1%55% below avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.9%50% below avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.1%118% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure0.9%44% below avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%51% below avg
- Steering0.6%46% below avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.68% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.38% of tests
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.37% of tests
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 4
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 1.23% of tests
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
- 5
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 0.9% of tests
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
- 6
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.78% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 7
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 0.76% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 8
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 0.73% of tests
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Volkswagen California's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit10.59%
- Brake disc pitted or scored6.86%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.97%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.07%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking3.66%
- Coil spring showing some corrosion1.46%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Volkswagen California
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
- 3
Tyre ply or cords exposed
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
- 4
ABS warning lamp shows a fault
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Volkswagen California covers about 6,800 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Diesel99.2%
- Petrol0.8%
Most common colours
Blue, Grey, Silver, White, Beige
Average engine size: 2.0 litres.
Questions
Volkswagen California questions, answered
Is the Volkswagen California reliable?
On MOT results, the Volkswagen California is better than average: it fails 17.1% of first MOT tests, 19% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 1 of 1 campervan models in our index.
What fails most on a Volkswagen California MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen California are coil spring fractured or broken (2.68% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.38% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.37% of tests). By area, suspension fails 5.2% of its tests.
Which Volkswagen California year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2010 cars do best (34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2018 cars do worst (9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Volkswagen California do a year?
A typical Volkswagen California covers about 6,800 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Volkswagen California before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
Found a Volkswagen California? Check it free.
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.