Volkswagen California: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 8,523 Volkswagen California cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1980 and 2026.
In a sample of 395 cars, 49.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, about as often as average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (11.1% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 3 recalls for this model; 3.3% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.7% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Volkswagen California
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 11.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 10.9% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 7.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 6.8% |
| Tyre damaged | 6.1% |
| Particulate filter not working properly, particle count too high | 4.3% |
| Spring broken or cracked | 4.3% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 4.1% |
| Reflector defective | 3.3% |
| Exhaust not gas-tight / exhaust gases discharged unsafely | 2.8% |
Share of 395 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 4.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 2.8% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1.8% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 0.3% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 8,523 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 3.3% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.7% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1980 to 2026 |
All Volkswagen California passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-06-20 | windows and wipers | – | 15 |
| 2018-06-20 | other | serious | 2 |
| 2017-03-24 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 495 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Volkswagen California fail the APK?
In a sample of 395 cars first registered 2012–2021, 49.1% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Volkswagen California?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (11.1%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (10.9%), wipers give insufficient visibility (7.1%).
Does the Volkswagen California have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 3 recalls. 3.3% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Volkswagen models
Golf · Polo · Tiguan · Up! · Passat · T-Roc · Touran · ID.3 · T-Cross · ID.4 · Fox · Caddy · Taigo · Transporter · Kombi
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.