2019 · 5 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2019 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

1,261 MOT tests in 2024. 86.9% passed first time, compared with 84.9% for all cars the same age.

102Above average
Passed first time86.9%
Failed or needed repairs13.1%
Typical mileage at test30,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,261 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.0%
    32 marked dangerous
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.1%
    17 marked dangerous
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken0.9%
  5. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.8%
  6. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.8%
  7. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault0.6%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.5%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.5%
    8 marked dangerous
  10. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn0.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres6.4%
  2. Brakes3.3%
  3. Suspension2.3%
  4. Lights & electrics2.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)1.1%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.9%
  7. Steering0.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.3%
  2. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened7.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick6.7%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure4.0%
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.4%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2019 Volkswagen California cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 4)88.7%1,274 tests
2024 pass rate (age 5)86.9%1,261 tests
Change in one year−1.8 pointsaverage car: −1.4 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2019 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: tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. 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 2019 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 86.9% of 2019 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,261 tests. The average for all 5-year-old cars was 84.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2019 Volkswagen California?

The most common failure reasons were tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2019 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 102, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2019 Volkswagen California getting worse with age?

In 2023, 88.7% passed first time. In 2024, 86.9% passed (−1.8 points). An average car that age changed by −1.4 points, so the 2019 Volkswagen California is ageing about the same as average.