2021 · 3 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2021 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

944 MOT tests in 2024. 91.3% passed first time, compared with 87.6% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time91.3%
Failed or needed repairs8.7%
Typical mileage at test21,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 944 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    14 marked dangerous
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.7%
  5. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.3%
    4 marked dangerous
  7. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.2%
  8. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.2%
    2 marked dangerous
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.2%
  10. Seat belts - condition: not functioning as intended0.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres4.4%
  2. Suspension2.2%
  3. Emissions & leaks1.0%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.0%
  5. Lights & electrics0.8%
  6. Seat belts & airbags0.5%
  7. Brakes0.5%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick2.4%
  4. Tread depth: tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm1.8%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.5%

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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2020 CaliforniaAll California years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2021 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 91.3% of 2021 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 944 tests. The average for all 3-year-old cars was 87.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2021 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2021 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).