2011 Volkswagen California · 1,258 MOT tests
2011 Volkswagen California reliability
2011 Volkswagen Californias fail 25% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 11 California years (1,258 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 25%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 24% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 68,645
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,258
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 34% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 6.4% of tests fail here (676% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 68% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Suspension7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.4%
- Lights and electrics5%
- Tyres5%
- Brakes4.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.6%
- Body, chassis and structure1.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 5.33%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.74%
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 2.23%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.59%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.59%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.27%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.55%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.79%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.28%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (5.09%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.01%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (3.42%)
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 2011 Volkswagen California reliable?
2011 Volkswagen Californias fail 25% of first MOT tests, 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 3 of 11 California years (1,258 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often airbag warning lamp shows fault (5.33% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (3.74% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (2.23% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Volkswagen California shows 68,645 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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