Volkswagen California reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Volkswagen California is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 123 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 133 of 442, and 17.8% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is coil spring (3.1% of tests).
Ranked 133 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 9,765 Volkswagen Californias aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 17.8% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Volkswagen California is 19% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage. At the first MOT, at three years old, 9.7% failed (UK 12.7%).
First-time fail rate
17.8%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
9.7%
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
7,000
Typical age at test: 7 years
Volkswagen California MOT failure rate by age
Most common Volkswagen California MOT faults
- Coil spring: fractured or broken3.1% of tests
- Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.9% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.7% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.5% of tests
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.9% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm0.8% of tests
What the Volkswagen California fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 5.5% | About average |
| Tyres | 5.1% | ▼ 12% less often |
| Brakes | 4.0% | ▼ 11% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 3.0% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Visibility | 1.7% | ▼ 54% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 1.0% | ▲ 2.0× as often |
| Body and structure | 0.9% | ▼ 47% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 0.9% | ▼ 54% less often |
| Steering | 0.6% | ▼ 49% less often |
| Wheels | 0.1% | ▼ 70% less often |
What MPG does the Volkswagen California do?
Official economy for the Volkswagen California ranges from 29.1 to 34mpg across the 4 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2010). A typical diesel version manages 33.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Volkswagen California?
Any Volkswagen California first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volkswagen California registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carVolkswagen California specs and running costs
Official figures for 4 versions sold in the UK between 2010 and 2010.
Fuel types
Diesel
Official economy
29.1–34.0 mpg
CO2
219–257 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Motor Home 2.5 TDI 130ps with DPFM6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 34 mpg | 219g | £445 |
| California Motor Home 2.5 TDI 174ps with DPFM6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 33.6 mpg | 221g | £445 |
| California Motor Home 2.5 TDI 174ps 4MOTION with DPFQM6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 30.7 mpg | 243g | £760 |
| California Motor Home 2.5 TDI 174ps Tiptronic with DPFA6 · listed 2010 | Diesel | 29.1 mpg | 257g | £790 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Volkswagen California costs to fuel
- diesel, typical official 33.6mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Volkswagen CaliforniaBuying a used Volkswagen California?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Volkswagen models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Volkswagen California reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Volkswagen California is 19% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 123 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Volkswagen California?
The most common MOT fault is “Coil spring: fractured or broken”, found in 3.1% of tests. It fails on seat belts and airbags more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Volkswagen California do?
Official economy for the Volkswagen California ranges from 29.1 to 34mpg across the 4 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2010–2010). A typical diesel version manages 33.6mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Volkswagen California?
Any Volkswagen California first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Volkswagen California registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £445 to £790 a year.
›How many Volkswagen Californias fail their MOT?
17.8% of Volkswagen Californias aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024, and 9.7% failed at their first MOT.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Volkswagen California combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.