2020 · 4 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2020 Volkswagen California MOT pass rate and common faults

671 MOT tests in 2024. 90.0% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

104Above average
Passed first time90.0%
Failed or needed repairs10.0%
Typical mileage at test25,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 671 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 cords1.8%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak1.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed1.2%
    9 marked dangerous
  4. Headlamp aim: too high0.9%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a bulge, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure0.6%
    4 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.4%
  7. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction0.4%
  8. Washers: not working0.3%
  9. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn0.3%
  10. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.3%
    3 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Tyres4.3%
  2. Lights & electrics2.4%
  3. Suspension2.2%
  4. Brakes0.9%
  5. Emissions & leaks0.7%
  6. Body & chassis0.4%
  7. Number plates & VIN0.4%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure3.9%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.3%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords2.2%

Is it getting worse with age?

The same 2020 Volkswagen California cars, tested one year apart.

2023 pass rate (age 3)92.3%650 tests
2024 pass rate (age 4)90.0%671 tests
Change in one year−2.3 pointsaverage car: −0.8 points

All cars pass less often as they get older. The 2020 Volkswagen California is ageing worse than an average car, so problems may be starting to build up at this age.

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 2020 Volkswagen California?

In 2024, 90.0% of 2020 Volkswagen California cars passed their MOT first time, across 671 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 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; shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed. The biggest problem area was tyres.

Is the 2020 Volkswagen California reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 104, which is above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).

Is the 2020 Volkswagen California getting worse with age?

In 2023, 92.3% passed first time. In 2024, 90.0% passed (−2.3 points). An average car that age changed by −0.8 points, so the 2020 Volkswagen California is ageing worse than average.