2016 · 8 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2016 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

827 MOT tests in 2024. 79.7% passed first time, compared with 76.6% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time79.7%
Failed or needed repairs20.3%
Typical mileage at test52,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 827 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.3%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.1%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    10 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too high1.1%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    8 marked dangerous
  7. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%
  8. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.8%
  9. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault0.8%
  10. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.8%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension9.4%
  2. Brakes6.3%
  3. Tyres5.7%
  4. Lights & electrics2.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.5%
  6. Body & chassis1.5%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.9%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.8%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.7%

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 2016 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 79.7% of 2016 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 827 tests. The average for all 8-year-old cars was 76.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2016 Volkswagen California?

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

Is the 2016 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).