2015 · 9 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2015 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

917 MOT tests in 2024. 79.9% passed first time, compared with 73.5% for all cars the same age.

109Well above average
Passed first time79.9%
Failed or needed repairs20.1%
Typical mileage at test55,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 917 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.0%
  2. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.5%
  3. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play2.4%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.9%
  5. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative1.5%
  6. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.3%
    13 marked dangerous
  7. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.3%
  8. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault1.2%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.2%
    19 marked dangerous
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes7.5%
  2. Suspension7.2%
  3. Tyres6.8%
  4. Steering2.5%
  5. Lights & electrics2.5%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)2.1%
  7. Body & chassis0.8%
  8. Number plates & VIN0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.6%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.1%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure5.5%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.5%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2015 Volkswagen California cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 8)80.7%893 tests
2024 pass rate (age 9)79.9%917 tests
Change in one year−0.8 pointsaverage car: −2.0 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2015 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 2015 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 79.9% of 2015 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 917 tests. The average for all 9-year-old cars was 73.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2015 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; track rod end: ball joint has excessive play. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2015 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 109, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2015 Volkswagen California getting worse with age?

In 2023, 80.7% passed first time. In 2024, 79.9% passed (−0.8 points). An average car that age changed by −2.0 points, so the 2015 Volkswagen California is ageing better than average.