2018 Volkswagen California diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Volkswagen California diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Volkswagen California diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usual
  Volkswagen California

  4.6% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

• Coil springs2.2× usual
  Volkswagen California

  2.4% All 2018 cars

  1.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.9% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £175–£400 (pair, one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look behind each wheel for a snapped spring coil, and listen for a clunk or twang when turning the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped.

Common 2018 Volkswagen California diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Volkswagen California diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  22% 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.

• Suspension
  9% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  5% 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
  4% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Exhaust and emissions
  2% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Volkswagen California diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen California diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the coil springs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen California diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?