2018 Volkswagen California · 3,936 MOT tests
2018 Volkswagen California reliability
2018 Volkswagen Californias fail 12.6% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 11 California years (3,936 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 12.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 9% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- 30,914
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 4
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,936
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2018 against the years either side
- 2017 cars: 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- 2019 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2018 car does worse)
- Weak spot: suspension, 2.4% of tests fail here (56% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 64% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2018 car carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
Common problems
What fails on a 2018 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Tyres5%
- Suspension2.4%
- Brakes2.4%
- Lights and electrics2.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors1.1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.8%
- Body, chassis and structure0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre ply or cords exposed 1.65%
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 1.47%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.24%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.02%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.66%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.51%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (10.75%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (8.21%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.86%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (3.86%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (2.77%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (1.32%)
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 2018 Volkswagen California reliable?
2018 Volkswagen Californias fail 12.6% of first MOT tests, 9% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 11 California years (3,936 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2018 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often tyre ply or cords exposed (1.65% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.47% of tests), brake pads worn below 1.5mm (1.24% of tests).
How many miles should a 2018 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 4, a typical 2018 Volkswagen California shows 30,914 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2018 car?
A car first registered in 2018 carries a 67 plate (January–February 2018), or a 18 plate (March–August 2018), or a 68 plate (September–December 2018).
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