2017 Volkswagen California · 4,322 MOT tests
2017 Volkswagen California reliability
2017 Volkswagen Californias fail 14.1% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 11 California years (4,322 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 14.1%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- 38,810
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 4,322
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- 2018 cars: 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 4% of tests fail here (48% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 64% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Tyres4.3%
- Suspension4%
- Brakes2.8%
- Lights and electrics2.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.2%
- Body, chassis and structure1.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks1%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Coil spring fractured or broken 2.59%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.34%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.25%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
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.
ABS warning lamp shows a fault 0.69%
A lit ABS warning means the anti-lock system may not work, so wheels could lock during emergency braking.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.69%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.13%) · Brake pads wearing thin (8.79%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.28%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (3.68%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.19%) · Number plate lettering deteriorating (2.06%)
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 2017 Volkswagen California reliable?
2017 Volkswagen Californias fail 14.1% of first MOT tests, 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 11 California years (4,322 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often coil spring fractured or broken (2.59% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.34% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (1.25% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 Volkswagen California shows 38,810 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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