Used car guide

2021 Volkswagen Grand California TDI Auto: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2021 Volkswagen Grand California TDI Autos, from 127 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: only 127 of these were MOT tested in 2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

127MOT tests in 2025
94%pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%)
4,500typical miles a year
7%had brakes flagged

What gets flagged at MOT

The share of 2021 Volkswagen Grand California TDI Auto MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Brakes
    7% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

  • Tyres
    2% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    1% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    1% of testsRough price £80–£600

    At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

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Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2021 Volkswagen Grand California TDI Autos registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score