Used car guide

2018 Volkswagen California: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Volkswagen Californias, from 1,160 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,160MOT tests in 2025
83%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
6,200typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for number plates

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 Volkswagen Californias than on all cars registered in 2018.

  • Number plates2× usual
    Volkswagen California
    3.4% All 2018 cars
    1.7%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

By area

The share of 2018 Volkswagen California 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
    16% 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
    12% 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
    7% 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.

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

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,564Tyres 17%
2021897Tyres 17%
2020680Tyres 18%
20191,297Tyres 22%
20171,303Tyres 23%
2016853Tyres 22%
2015903Tyres 23%
2014745Suspension 23%
2013595Suspension 31%
2012588Suspension 27%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Volkswagen Californias registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score