2020 Volkswagen California · 1,158 MOT tests
2020 Volkswagen California reliability
2020 Volkswagen Californias fail 9.8% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 11 California years (1,158 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- 9.8%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Californias: 17.1%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 15% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 25,439
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,158
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2020 against the years either side
- 2019 cars: 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does better)
- 2021 cars: 16% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2020 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.8% of tests fail here (794% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 42% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2020 car carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
Common problems
What fails on a 2020 Volkswagen California
Fail rate by area
- Tyres3.5%
- Number plates and VIN1.8%
- Suspension1.6%
- Lights and electrics1.5%
- Steering0.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.6%
- Body, chassis and structure0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.38%
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 0.95%
Exposed ply or cords can let the tyre fail suddenly, so the tyre must be replaced before the car is driven.
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 0.95%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Headlamp aim set too high 0.6%
Headlamps aimed too high can dazzle other drivers, and adjusting them is usually a quick job.
Diesel engine warning light faulty 0.43%
A lit or non-working engine warning light can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
Tyre bulge from structural failure 0.35%
A bulge means the tyre's structure has failed and it could burst suddenly, so it must be replaced at once.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (5.44%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (2.5%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.25%) · Brake pads wearing thin (1.99%) · Tyre has a shallow cut (1.47%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (0.95%)
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 2020 Volkswagen California reliable?
2020 Volkswagen Californias fail 9.8% of first MOT tests, 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 6 of 11 California years (1,158 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2020 Volkswagen California MOT?
Most often tyre cut reaching ply or cords (1.38% of tests), tyre ply or cords exposed (0.95% of tests), shock absorber serious fluid leak (0.95% of tests).
How many miles should a 2020 Volkswagen California have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2020 Volkswagen California shows 25,439 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2020 car?
A car first registered in 2020 carries a 69 plate (January–February 2020), or a 20 plate (March–August 2020), or a 70 plate (September–December 2020).
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