At a Glance
The Volkswagen California has 6 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the T6 Cal (2015-2025) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 60K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volkswagen California common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volkswagen California generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volkswagen California owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Volkswagen California owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Volkswagen California?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Volkswagen California Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Volkswagen California MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen California vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 14.70% |
| 2 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 13.50% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 6.86% |
| 4 | Number plate lamp not working | 6.48% |
| 5 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 6.12% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.10% |
| 7 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.70% |
| 8 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.74% |
| 9 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.01% |
| 10 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.93% |
| 11 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 2.20% |
| 12 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 2.18% |
| 13 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 2.05% |
| 14 | Track rod end worn | 1.74% |
| 15 | Driveshaft fault | 1.68% |
| 16 | Stop lamp not working | 1.37% |
| 17 | Brake disc or drum worn | 1.32% |
| 18 | Seat belt condition | 1.30% |
| 19 | Airbag warning light on | 1.16% |
| 20 | Rear fog lamp not working | 1.14% |
| 21 | Position lamp not working | 1.03% |
| 22 | Fog lamp not working | 1.02% |
| 23 | Headlamp fault | 0.93% |
| 24 | Exhaust system fault | 0.91% |
| 25 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.72% |
| 26 | Indicator fault | 0.70% |
| 27 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.68% |
| 28 | ABS fault | 0.66% |
| 29 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.59% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.57% |
| 31 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.55% |
| 32 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.46% |
| 33 | Horn not working | 0.44% |
| 34 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.43% |
| 35 | Front lamp not working | 0.43% |
| 36 | Steering rack fault | 0.41% |
| 37 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.36% |
| 38 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.32% |
| 39 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.32% |
| 40 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.28% |
| 41 | Headlamp washer not working | 0.26% |
| 42 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.24% |
| 43 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.22% |
| 44 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.20% |
| 45 | Rear lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 46 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.18% |
| 47 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.17% |
| 48 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.15% |
| 49 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.14% |
| 50 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.14% |
| 51 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.12% |
| 52 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.12% |
| 53 | Driver door fault | 0.11% |
| 54 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.11% |
| 55 | Driver airbag fault | 0.11% |
| 56 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.11% |
| 57 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.11% |
| 58 | Electrical switch fault | 0.09% |
| 59 | Rear suspension fault | 0.09% |
| 60 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.08% |
| 61 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 62 | Chassis condition | 0.07% |
| 63 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Engine oil leak | 0.07% |
| 65 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.07% |
| 66 | Front passenger door fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 68 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.06% |
| 69 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Brake pedal fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Parking brake condition | 0.05% |
| 72 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.05% |
| 73 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.05% |
| 74 | Brake fluid leak | 0.04% |
| 75 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.04% |
| 76 | Electronic braking system fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Front suspension fault | 0.04% |
| 78 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Passenger seat fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 81 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.03% |
| 83 | Driver seat fault | 0.03% |
| 84 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.03% |
| 85 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.03% |
| 86 | Spare wheel fault | 0.03% |
| 87 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 88 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.03% |
| 89 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 90 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.03% |
| 91 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 92 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 93 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.03% |
| 94 | Propshaft fault | 0.03% |
| 95 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Brake linkage mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 97 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.02% |
| 98 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 99 | Steering free play excessive | 0.02% |
| 100 | Steering operation fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.02% |
| 102 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 104 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Drag link end worn | 0.01% |
| 106 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 107 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 109 | Passenger compartment corrosion | 0.01% |
| 110 | Power steering ram fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Steering damper fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Transmission oil leak | 0.01% |
| 113 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 114 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 119 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 120 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 126 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 131 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 132 | Suspension air bellows damaged | <0.01% |
| 133 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 134 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 135 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 136 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 136 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen California MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volkswagen California, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volkswagen California problems?
Based on analysis of 60K Volkswagen California MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 6 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Tyre condition". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Volkswagen California generation has the most problems?
The Volkswagen California T6 Cal (2015-2025) (2015–2025) has the highest number of identified common problems (5). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volkswagen California?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen California owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
