2009 Volkswagen California: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Volkswagen California first registered in 2009: we looked at the 149 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 149 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
Common 2009 Volkswagen California MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2009 Volkswagen California MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension26% 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 electrics23% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- 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.
- Tyres18% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors9% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Steering4% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2009 Volkswagen California
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
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
Every year of the Volkswagen California compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,585 | Tyres 17% |
| 2021 | 1,726 | Tyres 17% |
| 2020 | 2,004 | Tyres 16% |
| 2019 | 3,818 | Tyres 22% |
| 2018 | 3,413 | Tyres 22% |
| 2017 | 3,836 | Tyres 22% |
| 2016 | 2,523 | Tyres 21% |
| 2015 | 2,697 | Tyres 23% |
| 2014 | 2,208 | Suspension 22% |
| 2013 | 1,769 | Tyres 24% |
| 2012 | 1,761 | Suspension 24% |
| 2011 | 1,160 | Tyres 25% |
| 2010 | 999 | Suspension 27% |
| 2008 | 223 | Lights and electrics 27% |
| 2007 | 152 | Suspension 28% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Volkswagen California cars first registered in 2009. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score