MOT failure data · 2025
Volkswagen California MOT problems
Across every Volkswagen California that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was coil spring fractured or broken, on 13.07% of failure items. The broadest problem area was suspension at 28.64%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Volkswagen California MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coil spring fractured or broken | Suspension | 13.07% |
| 2 | Condition has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords | Tyres | 8.17% |
| 3 | Condition has ply or cords exposed | Tyres | 7.04% |
| 4 | Anti-lock braking system warning lamp indicates an abs fault | Brakes | 5.72% |
| 5 | Pins and bushes pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 4.9% |
| 6 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 3.77% |
| 7 | Shock absorbers has a serious fluid leak | Suspension | 3.67% |
| 8 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 3.49% |
| 9 | Malfunction indicator lamp inoperative or indicates a malfunction | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.89% |
| 10 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 2.54% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Volkswagen California, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Volkswagen California buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Volkswagen California?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Volkswagen models
- Volkswagen Golf MOT problems
- Volkswagen Polo MOT problems
- Volkswagen Transporter MOT problems
- Volkswagen Tiguan MOT problems
- Volkswagen Passat MOT problems
- Volkswagen Caddy MOT problems
Volkswagen California MOT FAQs
What does a Volkswagen California most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Volkswagen California cars failing their 2025 MOT was "coil spring fractured or broken", appearing on 13.07% of failure items.
Does this mean my Volkswagen California will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Volkswagen California that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Volkswagen California passed 84.02% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Volkswagen California's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Volkswagen California MOT pass rate · used Volkswagen California buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.