2018 · 6 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2018 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

1,147 MOT tests in 2024. 86.2% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

105Above average
Passed first time86.2%
Failed or needed repairs13.8%
Typical mileage at test36,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,147 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken1.9%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6%
    24 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.4%
    19 marked dangerous
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.6%
    14 marked dangerous
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.5%
  7. Daytime running lamps: not working0.5%
  8. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.5%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.4%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases0.4%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres5.1%
  2. Brakes3.5%
  3. Suspension3.1%
  4. Lights & electrics2.9%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.3%
  6. Body & chassis1.0%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.7%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.7%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick8.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.4%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn4.2%

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 2018 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 86.2% of 2018 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,147 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 105, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).