2012 · 12 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2012 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

579 MOT tests in 2024. 72.9% passed first time, compared with 64.3% for all cars the same age.

113Well above average
Passed first time72.9%
Failed or needed repairs27.1%
Typical mileage at test70,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 579 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.5%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.3%
  3. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault2.6%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.7%
    14 marked dangerous
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.7%
    15 marked dangerous
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6%
  7. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.4%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.2%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    15 marked dangerous
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes11.1%
  2. Suspension9.3%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.5%
  4. Lights & electrics5.5%
  5. Tyres5.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags4.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks1.4%
  8. Body & chassis1.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.0%
  2. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.8%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.0%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.3%

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: coil spring: fractured or broken. 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 2012 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 72.9% of 2012 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 579 tests. The average for all 12-year-old cars was 64.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2012 Volkswagen California?

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

Is the 2012 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 113, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).