2011 · 13 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2011 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

372 MOT tests in 2024. 73.1% passed first time, compared with 61.8% for all cars the same age.

118Well above average
Passed first time73.1%
Failed or needed repairs26.9%
Typical mileage at test73,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 372 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault4.6%
  2. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.3%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.2%
    9 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.9%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.9%
  8. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.3%
  9. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.1%
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension9.7%
  2. Brakes7.0%
  3. Seat belts & airbags6.5%
  4. Tyres5.9%
  5. Lights & electrics5.4%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.7%
  7. Body & chassis1.9%
  8. Steering1.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.7%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn9.1%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.1%

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: srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2011 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 73.1% of 2011 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 372 tests. The average for all 13-year-old cars was 61.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2011 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were srs malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault; coil spring: fractured or broken; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2011 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 118, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).