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. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.2%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.2%

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%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2012 Volkswagen California cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 11)75.7%589 tests
2024 pass rate (age 12)72.9%579 tests
Change in one year−2.8 pointsaverage car: −1.3 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2012 Volkswagen California is ageing worse than an average car, so problems may be starting to build up at this age.

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.

← 2011 CaliforniaAll California years2013 California →

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).

Is the 2012 Volkswagen California getting worse with age?

In 2023, 75.7% passed first time. In 2024, 72.9% passed (−2.8 points). An average car that age changed by −1.3 points, so the 2012 Volkswagen California is ageing worse than average.