2017 · 7 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2017 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

1,277 MOT tests in 2024. 84.7% passed first time, compared with 79.8% for all cars the same age.

106Above average
Passed first time84.7%
Failed or needed repairs15.3%
Typical mileage at test46,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,277 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.1%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4%
  3. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.4%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.3%
    20 marked dangerous
  5. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.0%
    22 marked dangerous
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.9%
    14 marked dangerous
  7. Headlamp aim: too high0.8%
  8. Tyre pressure monitoring system: malfunctioning or obviously inoperative0.7%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.6%
  10. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Suspension4.9%
  2. Brakes4.7%
  3. Tyres4.6%
  4. Lights & electrics2.5%
  5. Emissions & leaks1.3%
  6. Body & chassis1.2%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.2%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.4%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.4%
  2. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick9.3%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.2%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn6.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.7%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2017 Volkswagen California cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 6)84.4%1,293 tests
2024 pass rate (age 7)84.7%1,277 tests
Change in one year+0.4 pointsaverage car: −1.9 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2017 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 2017 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 84.7% of 2017 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,277 tests. The average for all 7-year-old cars was 79.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2017 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were coil spring: fractured or broken; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 2017 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 106, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2017 Volkswagen California getting worse with age?

In 2023, 84.4% passed first time. In 2024, 84.7% passed (+0.4 points). An average car that age changed by −1.9 points, so the 2017 Volkswagen California is ageing better than average.