Volkswagen California
From 13,229 MOT tests. Above average for its class.
Common MOT failure categories
Pass rate by registration year
Newer Californias fare better: 2020 models pass at 88.4% vs 78.4% for 2011.
What goes wrong?
The most common MOT failure reasons are a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, a tyre seriously damaged and warning device shows system malfunction. The top issue, a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, caused 362 failures in 2024. Checking tread depth (1.6mm legal minimum, 3mm recommended) before your test can save an unnecessary fail. You can check prices at Black Circles if you need replacements. If you need repairs before retesting, sites like BookMyGarage let you compare local prices.
| a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened | 362 |
| a tyre seriously damaged | 224 |
| warning device shows system malfunction | 174 |
| a tyre cords visible or damaged | 167 |
| a suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn | 163 |
| a brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm | 106 |
| tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements | 102 |
| a suspension joint dust cover missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc | 82 |
| the aim of a headlamp is not within limits laid down in the requirements | 82 |
| a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources | 76 |
How serious are these failures?
Not all MOT failures are equal. 23.5% of California failures could actually strand you: fractured springs, engine faults, exhaust problems. Another 42.9% are safety issues where the car still drives but shouldn't, such as worn brakes, corroded brake pipes, and steering wear. When it does fail, the average repair bill is around £130.
Volkswagen California on UK roads
The fleet is growing: 1,116 newly registered in the past year with 36 leaving, a net gain of 1,080. Currently at its highest numbers ever.
Quarterly breakdown
| Quarter | On road | SORN | New | Gone | Net |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Q3 | 14,940 | 192 | +403 | -24 | +379 |
| 2025 Q2 | 14,593 | 160 | +321 | -12 | +309 |
| 2025 Q1 | 14,088 | 356 | +104 | -0 | +130 |
| 2024 Q4 | 13,907 | 407 | +288 | -0 | +303 |
| 2024 Q3 | 13,826 | 185 | +532 | -0 | +580 |
| 2024 Q2 | 13,297 | 134 | +490 | -0 | +510 |
| 2024 Q1 | 12,723 | 198 | +448 | -115 | +333 |
| 2023 Q4 | 12,308 | 280 | +301 | -44 | +257 |
20 variants on the road
| Variant | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Ocean Tdi S-A | Diesel | 4,002 | 29% |
| California Ocean Tdi Bmt S-A | Diesel | 1,996 | 14% |
| California Ocean Tdi 4M S-A | Diesel | 1,041 | 8% |
| California Beach Tdi Bmt S-A | Diesel | 1,040 | 8% |
| California Coast Tdi S-A | Diesel | 606 | 4% |
| California Beach Tdi S-A | Diesel | 599 | 4% |
| California Ocean Tdi Bmt 4M Sa | Diesel | 593 | 4% |
| California Se Tdi Bmt | Diesel | 504 | 4% |
| California Se Tdi 140 | Diesel | 438 | 3% |
| California Beach Bluemotiontdi | Diesel | 433 | 3% |
| California Se Tdi 180 A | Diesel | 395 | 3% |
| California Ocean Tdi Bmt | Diesel | 370 | 3% |
| California Se Tdi 180 | Diesel | 370 | 3% |
| California Beach Tdi Bmt | Diesel | 351 | 3% |
| California Se Tdi Bmt Auto | Diesel | 326 | 2% |
| California Beach Camper Tdi Sa | Diesel | 212 | 2% |
| California Se Tdi 4Motion Bmta | Diesel | 173 | 1% |
| California Se Tdi Bmt S-A | Diesel | 145 | 1% |
| California Beach Tdi | Diesel | 136 | <1% |
| California Beach Blue Tdi Auto | Diesel | 132 | <1% |
Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics, 2025 Q3. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0.
By registration year
| Year | Pass rate | Top failures |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 88.4% | a tyre cords visible or damaged, tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements |
| 2019 | 89.2% | a tyre seriously damaged, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2018 | 88.3% | a tyre seriously damaged, a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened |
| 2017 | 87.5% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, a tyre seriously damaged |
7 earlier years
| 2016 | 84.9% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, a tyre seriously damaged |
| 2015 | 83.9% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, warning device shows system malfunction |
| 2014 | 82.6% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, warning device shows system malfunction |
| 2013 | 82.8% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, a tyre cords visible or damaged |
| 2012 | 79.1% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, a rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources |
| 2011 | 78.4% | a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, an srs malfunction indicator lamp (mil) indicates a system malfunction |
| 2010 | 81.4% | warning device shows system malfunction, a tyre seriously damaged |
Typical mileage
Half of all Californias tested had between 36,827 and 78,335 miles on the clock.
At 56,510 median miles, the California has 0.027 failures per 10,000 miles driven.
Other Volkswagen models
| Volkswagen Golf | 79.1% |
| Volkswagen Polo | 73.8% |
| Volkswagen Transporter | 73.8% |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | 84.6% |
| Volkswagen Passat | 76.9% |
Common questions
What is the Volkswagen California MOT pass rate?
The Volkswagen California has a 84.6% MOT pass rate based on 13,229 real MOT tests. This is above the national average.
What are common MOT failures on a Volkswagen California?
The most common MOT failure on the Volkswagen California is a spring or spring component fractured or seriously weakened, which caused 362 failures. Other common issues include a tyre seriously damaged.
How many Volkswagen Californias are on UK roads?
There are 14,940 Volkswagen Californias currently licensed on UK roads, with 192 on SORN.
What is the typical mileage of a Volkswagen California at MOT?
The median mileage at MOT for a Volkswagen California is 56,510 miles. The middle 50% of vehicles tested have between 36,827 and 78,335 miles.
Buying a used California?
Start with the free tools. Look up the specific vehicle's MOT history on GOV.UK The mileage at each test will show if it's been wound back, and the advisory history tells you what's wearing. Cross-reference that against the typical failures above to see if anything looks unusual for this model.
The free data won't tell you about outstanding finance, theft markers, or write-off history. For that, you need a vehicle history check This is especially important on a private sale where you have fewer legal protections.
With a 84.6% pass rate and an average repair bill of £130 when things go wrong, budget accordingly.
Some links are to services we may earn from. Disclosure.
MOT data from DVSA anonymised test results, 2024 test year. Fleet data from DfT vehicle licensing statistics. Crown copyright, OGL v3.0. MOT pass rates are statistical summaries of test outcomes, not assessments of individual vehicle safety or condition. Always inspect a vehicle and check its full MOT history before purchasing. See terms of use.