What are the most common problems with a 2014 Volkswagen California?

The biggest MOT weak spot is anti-lock braking system: flagged on 3.5% of tests, 11.7× the rate for all 2014 cars.

What should I ask the seller before buying a used 2014 Volkswagen California?

Any recent work on the anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 11.7× as often on the 2014 Volkswagen California as on other cars the same age.) Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Used car guide

2014 Volkswagen California: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Volkswagen California first registered in 2014: we looked at the 2,208 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,208MOTs of 2014 cars, done in 2023–2025

78%pass first time (all 2014 cars: 70%)

6,400typical miles a year

11.7×the usual rate for anti-lock braking system

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 Volkswagen California?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 Volkswagen California than on all cars registered in 2014.

Anti-lock braking system11.7× usual

Volkswagen California
3.5% All 2014 cars
0.3%

Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.3% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2014 Volkswagen California MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 Volkswagen California MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

Suspension

22% 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.
Tyres

21% 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.
Brakes

17% 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 electrics

14% 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 mirrors

7% of testsRough price £15–£250

At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Steering

2% of testsRough price £100–£450

At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 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 anti-lock braking system? (Flagged at MOT 11.7× as often on the 2014 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%
2013	1,769	Tyres 24%
2012	1,761	Suspension 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 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score