2010 Volkswagen California · 1,078 MOT tests
2010 Volkswagen California reliability
2010 Volkswagen Californias fail 23.5% of first MOT tests, 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 11 California years (1,078 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 23.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 34% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 73,301
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,078
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2010 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 26% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- 2011 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2010 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 3.1% of tests fail here (204% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2010 car carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
Common problems
What fails on a 2010 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Suspension8.1%
- Brakes6%
- Lights and electrics4.9%
- Tyres3.7%
- Seat belts and airbags3.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.4%
- Body, chassis and structure2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.9%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 3.53%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 2.32%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
ESC warning lamp shows fault 1.48%
A lit stability control warning means the car's skid protection may not work, so it should be diagnosed promptly.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.39%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 1.3%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (13.45%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.61%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.49%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.57%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.99%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (3.43%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen California year
The full picture: Volkswagen California reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen California, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2010 Volkswagen California reliable?
2010 Volkswagen Californias fail 23.5% of first MOT tests, 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 1 of 11 California years (1,078 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2010 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.9% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (3.53% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (2.32% of tests).
How many miles should a 2010 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2010 Volkswagen California shows 73,301 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2010 car?
A car first registered in 2010 carries a 59 plate (January–February 2010), or a 10 plate (March–August 2010), or a 60 plate (September–December 2010).
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