2010 · 14 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2010 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

312 MOT tests in 2024. 72.8% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

122Well above average
Passed first time72.8%
Failed or needed repairs27.2%
Typical mileage at test75,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 312 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault6.7%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.9%
  4. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault2.6%
  5. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault1.9%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.3%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.3%
    8 marked dangerous
  8. Suspension arms - ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3%
  9. Rear fog lamp: not working1.3%
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes12.8%
  2. Suspension10.6%
  3. Lights & electrics6.1%
  4. Tyres5.8%
  5. Seat belts & airbags2.2%
  6. Body & chassis2.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  8. Steering0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.6%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.7%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.4%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened4.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All California years2011 California →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2010 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 72.8% of 2010 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 312 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2010 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 122, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).