2011 Volkswagen California: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Volkswagen Californias, from 389 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: only 389 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What gets flagged at MOT
The share of 2011 Volkswagen California MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension27% 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.
- Tyres25% 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 electrics16% 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 mirrors7% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1,564 | Tyres 17% |
| 2021 | 897 | Tyres 17% |
| 2020 | 680 | Tyres 18% |
| 2019 | 1,297 | Tyres 22% |
| 2018 | 1,160 | Tyres 22% |
| 2017 | 1,303 | Tyres 23% |
| 2016 | 853 | Tyres 22% |
| 2015 | 903 | Tyres 23% |
| 2014 | 745 | Suspension 23% |
| 2013 | 595 | Suspension 31% |
| 2012 | 588 | Suspension 27% |
| 2010 | 336 | Suspension 31% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Volkswagen Californias registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score