2013 Volkswagen California · 2,027 MOT tests
2013 Volkswagen California reliability
2013 Volkswagen Californias fail 20.4% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 11 California years (2,027 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 20.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 28% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- 62,505
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 10
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,027
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2013 against the years either side
- 2012 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2013 car does better)
- 2014 cars: 21% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2013 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.2% of tests fail here (85% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 71% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2013 car carries a 62 plate (January–February 2013), or a 13 plate (March–August 2013), or a 63 plate (September–December 2013).
Common problems
What fails on a 2013 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Suspension6.4%
- Tyres5.3%
- Brakes3.1%
- Lights and electrics3.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3%
- Body, chassis and structure1.2%
- Seat belts and airbags1.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 3.55%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 2.07%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.38%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.04%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 1.04%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.04%
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 (12.23%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.66%) · Brake pads wearing thin (5.97%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (5.38%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (5.03%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.9%)
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 2013 Volkswagen California reliable?
2013 Volkswagen Californias fail 20.4% of first MOT tests, 28% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 11 California years (2,027 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2013 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (3.55% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (2.07% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (1.38% of tests).
How many miles should a 2013 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 10, a typical 2013 Volkswagen California shows 62,505 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2013 car?
A car first registered in 2013 carries a 62 plate (January–February 2013), or a 13 plate (March–August 2013), or a 63 plate (September–December 2013).
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