2016 Volkswagen California · 2,893 MOT tests
2016 Volkswagen California reliability
2016 Volkswagen Californias fail 17.1% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 11 California years (2,893 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 17.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 11% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- 46,092
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 7
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 2,893
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2016 against the years either side
- 2015 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- 2017 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2016 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 6.8% of tests fail here (64% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 64% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2016 car carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
Common problems
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Suspension6.8%
- Tyres4.6%
- Brakes3.8%
- Lights and electrics2.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1.1%
- Body, chassis and structure1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 4.01%
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 1.52%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.45%
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 1.21%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.14%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.8%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (9.37%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (7.54%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.33%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (4.67%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.53%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (2.04%)
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 2016 Volkswagen California reliable?
2016 Volkswagen Californias fail 17.1% of first MOT tests, 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 9 of 11 California years (2,893 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2016 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (4.01% of tests), abs warning lamp shows a fault (1.52% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.45% of tests).
How many miles should a 2016 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 7, a typical 2016 Volkswagen California shows 46,092 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2016 car?
A car first registered in 2016 carries a 65 plate (January–February 2016), or a 16 plate (March–August 2016), or a 66 plate (September–December 2016).
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