2013 · 11 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2013 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

585 MOT tests in 2024. 79.3% passed first time, compared with 66.8% for all cars the same age.

119Well above average
Passed first time79.3%
Failed or needed repairs20.7%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 585 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.4%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7%
    16 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.2%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
    7 marked dangerous
  5. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.0%
  7. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    6 marked dangerous
  8. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%
  9. SRS malfunction indicator lamp: warning lamp indicates a fault0.7%
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension8.2%
  2. Tyres5.3%
  3. Brakes3.9%
  4. Lights & electrics3.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.4%
  6. Body & chassis1.4%
  7. Seat belts & airbags1.4%
  8. Steering0.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.2%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.4%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.4%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn7.2%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened6.5%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2013 Volkswagen California cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 10)76.8%598 tests
2024 pass rate (age 11)79.3%585 tests
Change in one year+2.6 pointsaverage car: −1.5 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2013 Volkswagen California is ageing better than an average car, which is a good sign for keeping one longer.

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 2013 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 79.3% of 2013 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 585 tests. The average for all 11-year-old cars was 66.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2013 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; 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 2013 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 119, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2013 Volkswagen California getting worse with age?

In 2023, 76.8% passed first time. In 2024, 79.3% passed (+2.6 points). An average car that age changed by −1.5 points, so the 2013 Volkswagen California is ageing better than average.