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VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 161 MOT tests from 29 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA has the same fault.

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA's have a very good reliability rating of 725/999. The score was calculated from the average of every VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA.

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Check a Volkswagen California before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

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  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A820/999Excellent96,928 miles602 vehicles
N/AN/A802/999Excellent106,922 miles807 vehicles
N/AN/A660/999Good104,498 miles580 vehicles
N/AN/A619/999Good132,597 miles524 vehicles

How reliable is the VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?

Based on 161 MOT tests from 29 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

29

MOT tests

161

Pass rate

85.1%

Median mileage

46,805 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 876 out of 999.

Common VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 30 advisory comments and 6 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO LEGAL LIMIT/WORN ON EDGE (5.2.3 (E))

Brake pad wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 advisory comments and 1 failure comment in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake pads that were worn or below the inspection limit.

What to inspect

Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

Example MOT wording: REAR BRAKE PAD(S) WEARING THIN (1.1.13 (A) (II))

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 9 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST CORRODED

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 6 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING FRACTURED OR BROKEN (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Suspension arm issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 3 advisory comments and 2 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn, corroded, or damaged suspension arm or its pin.

What to inspect

Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM PIN OR BUSH WORN BUT NOT RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT (5.3.4 (A) (I))

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 4 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: REAR REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))

VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Not enough VehicleScore data for year-by-year conclusions.

What to check when buying a used VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Brake pad wear. Ask for recent pad replacement and look at the remaining pad thickness.

  • Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Suspension arm issues. Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.

  • Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Buying a VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIA?

Common problems tell you what can affect VOLKSWAGEN CALIFORNIAs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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