2012 Volkswagen California · 1,950 MOT tests
2012 Volkswagen California reliability
2012 Volkswagen Californias fail 24.5% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 11 California years (1,950 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 24.5%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 21% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 64,662
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,950
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 24% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 4.1% of tests fail here (470% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: body, chassis and structure, 60% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Suspension8%
- Lights and electrics5.3%
- Tyres4.8%
- Brakes4.2%
- Seat belts and airbags4.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4%
- Body, chassis and structure1.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
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.
Airbag warning lamp shows fault 3.23%
A lit airbag warning means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, so it needs diagnosing and repairing.
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.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 1.33%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.23%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.18%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.26%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.77%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.26%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.1%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.69%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (2.97%)
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 2012 Volkswagen California reliable?
2012 Volkswagen Californias fail 24.5% of first MOT tests, 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 11 California years (1,950 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.74% of tests), airbag warning lamp shows fault (3.23% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.59% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Volkswagen California shows 64,662 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
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