Volkswagen California years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year

5,327 initial MOT tests in 2025 on cars first used 2017–2022 · DVSA data · For guidance only · How we count

No Volkswagen California year has an MOT pass rate clearly below the average for vehicles first used in the same year. Above it: 2022. The other 3 years can't be told apart from average.

Below the average for their first-use yearNone
Above the average for their first-use year2022
Can't be told apart from average2017–2019

The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.

84.8%passed first time

First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 83.8% to 85.7%.

Volkswagen California, all years84.8%
Same-age average, all vehicles83.1%

In 2025, 84.8% of the 5,327 initial MOT tests on Volkswagen California cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 83.1%. That is 1.7 points above the same-age average.

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Volkswagen California MOT pass rate by year

Year is when the car was first used. Older vehicles fail more often, so each year is compared with all vehicles first used that year.

Year	Testsmedian miles	Passed first time	Against all vehicles that year
2022age 3	1,56418,800	91.2%±1.6	+2.7 ptsall: 88.5%
2019age 6	1,29636,200	84.6%±2.1	+1.1 ptsall: 83.5%
2018age 7	1,16242,900	82.6%±2.3	+1.7 ptsall: 80.9%
2017age 8	1,30551,000	79.2%±2.3	+1.0 ptsall: 78.2%

Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.

When a car's mileage doesn't add up

Does mileage matter?

Volkswagen California first-time pass rates by the mileage at the initial test, all years together, against all vehicles of the same age and mileage.

91.6% of Volkswagen California tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 81.5% at 30,000 to 59,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 90.0% and 82.4%.

Miles at the test	Tests	Passed first time	Against all vehicles, same age and mileage
Under 30,000	2,218	91.6%±1.3	+1.6 ptsall: 90.0%
30,000–59,999	2,267	81.5%±1.7	−0.9 ptsall: 82.4%

Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, California tests were above average under 30,000 miles and about average at 30,000 to 59,999 miles.

Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Volkswagen California tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.

Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: 60,000–89,999, 90,000–119,999 and 120,000 or more. 1 test (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and is left out. How we count

Common California problems at the MOT

Share of the 811 failed tests with a fault in each area, all years together. A test can count in more than one area, so these add up to more than 100%.

Tyres35.9%

MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.

Most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen California

The defects recorded most often at the 811 failed initial tests on Volkswagen California cars, all years together, in the DVSA's own words. Each share is of failed tests, and a failed test can have more than one defect.

Defect	Share of failed tests	All vehicles, same age
Coil spring fractured or brokenSuspension	16.8%136 tests	6.0%
Tyre has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cordsTyres	13.6%110 tests	9.2%
Tyre has ply or cords exposedTyres	10.7%87 tests	6.0%
Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an ABS faultBrakes	8.3%67 tests	0.6%
Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thickBrakes	7.0%57 tests	9.3%

These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the California's failed tests in each year. How we count

What to check when viewing a California

Based on the areas where Volkswagen California MOT tests fail most often. These are general checks anyone can do, not a mechanical inspection.

Tyres
In 35.9% of failed California tests
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.

Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.

Check a California's MOT history

Volkswagen California questions

Which Volkswagen California years have lower MOT pass rates?

Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, no model year is clearly below average. Above average: 2022. The rest can't be told apart from average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.

Is the Volkswagen California reliable?

MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 84.8% of initial MOT tests on Volkswagen California cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 83.1%. That is 1.7 points above average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.

What are the most common Volkswagen California problems at the MOT?

The most common failure areas are tyres (in 35.9% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.

What mileage is normal for a 3-year-old Volkswagen California?

At their 2025 MOT tests, Volkswagen California cars first used in 2022, about 3 years old, had a median of 18,800 miles. Half had more and half had less.

How do I check a specific California's MOT history?

Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.

Check a car's MOT history for free

What MOT data can't tell you about any Volkswagen California

Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.

Compare history checks What MOT history doesn't show

Other Volkswagen models

Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.

All 24 Volkswagen models Cars ranked by MOT pass rate, by age

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Volkswagen California cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count