2012 Volkswagen California: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Volkswagen California first registered in 2012: we looked at the 1,761 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2012 Volkswagen California?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2012 Volkswagen California than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Airbag warning light6.7× usualVolkswagen California4% All 2012 cars0.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 0.6% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Anti-lock braking system4.8× usualVolkswagen California2.4% All 2012 cars0.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.5% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
Rigid brake pipes: 1.2% here, against 5.1% of all 2012 cars. Exhaust system: 1.2% here, against 5% of all 2012 cars.
Common 2012 Volkswagen California MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2012 Volkswagen California MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension24% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres23% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes19% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Lights and electrics17% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Driveshafts and joints3% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2012 Volkswagen California
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the airbag warning light? (Flagged at MOT 6.7× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen California as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 4.8× as often on the 2012 Volkswagen California as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Volkswagen California?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen California compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,585 | Tyres 17% |
| 2021 | 1,726 | Tyres 17% |
| 2020 | 2,004 | Tyres 16% |
| 2019 | 3,818 | Tyres 22% |
| 2018 | 3,413 | Tyres 22% |
| 2017 | 3,836 | Tyres 22% |
| 2016 | 2,523 | Tyres 21% |
| 2015 | 2,697 | Tyres 23% |
| 2014 | 2,208 | Suspension 22% |
| 2013 | 1,769 | Tyres 24% |
| 2011 | 1,160 | Tyres 25% |
| 2010 | 999 | Suspension 27% |
| 2009 | 149 | Suspension 26% |
| 2008 | 223 | Lights and electrics 27% |
| 2007 | 152 | Suspension 28% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen California cars first registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score