2014 · 10 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2014 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

727 MOT tests in 2024. 77.6% passed first time, compared with 69.9% for all cars the same age.

111Well above average
Passed first time77.6%
Failed or needed repairs22.4%
Typical mileage at test64,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 727 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken5.6%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault4.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.8%
    16 marked dangerous
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.4%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    12 marked dangerous
  6. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.0%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.0%
    11 marked dangerous
  8. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault0.8%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play0.8%
  10. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension10.6%
  2. Brakes8.8%
  3. Tyres5.2%
  4. Lights & electrics3.6%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.2%
  6. Body & chassis1.2%
  7. Steering1.0%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.1%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.3%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.5%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.3%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.1%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2014 Volkswagen California cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 9)78.9%730 tests
2024 pass rate (age 10)77.6%727 tests
Change in one year−1.3 pointsaverage car: −1.8 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2014 Volkswagen California is ageing about the same as an average car.

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 2014 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 77.6% of 2014 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 727 tests. The average for all 10-year-old cars was 69.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2014 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 ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2014 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 111, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2014 Volkswagen California getting worse with age?

In 2023, 78.9% passed first time. In 2024, 77.6% passed (−1.3 points). An average car that age changed by −1.8 points, so the 2014 Volkswagen California is ageing about the same as average.