Used car guide

2019 Volkswagen California: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2019 Volkswagen Californias, from 1,297 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,297MOT tests in 2025
85%pass first time (all 2019 cars: 84%)
6,100typical miles a year
2.2×the usual rate for suspension arm bushes and joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2019 Volkswagen Californias than on all cars registered in 2019.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints2.2× usual
    Volkswagen California
    4.9% All 2019 cars
    2.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2019 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 springs3× usual
    Volkswagen California
    2.7% All 2019 cars
    0.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 0.7% of all 2019 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.

By area

The share of 2019 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
    13% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    5% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Lights and electrics
    4% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Steering
    2% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Volkswagen California?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20221,564Tyres 17%
2021897Tyres 17%
2020680Tyres 18%
20181,160Tyres 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 2019 Volkswagen Californias registered in 2019. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score