Small car · 1996–2021 cars
Volkswagen Polo reliability
The Volkswagen Polo fails 32.8% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 2,033,226 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Volkswagen Polo before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 32.8%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 2,033,226
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 7,100
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
What this means for buyers
The Volkswagen Polo has a weaker MOT record than average. Its first-time fail rate is 32.8%, against 28.4% for all cars. It has 16% more MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, and ranks 27 of 63 small car models.
A weaker record doesn't rule one out. Year matters: 2020 cars had 3% fewer MOT fails than cars of the same age and mileage, while 2018 cars had 33% more. Exhaust, emissions and leaks is the weakest area, with 55% more fails there than comparable cars. Whatever the year, check these before you buy, as they are the most common MOT failures: position lamps not working, suspension arm pins or bushes excessively worn, tyre tread below 1.6mm, and wiper blades not clearing the windscreen.
MOT fail rate by age
How the Volkswagen Polo ages
Each point is the share of Volkswagen Polos of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Volkswagen Polo | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | 11.7% | 12.3% |
| 4 | 16% | 14.1% |
| 5 | 19.7% | 16.4% |
| 6 | 21.2% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 23.5% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 27.1% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 31.4% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 34.7% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 36.9% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 39.7% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 42.1% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 44.7% | 41.1% |
| 15 | 47.1% | 42.3% |
| 16 | 49.3% | 42.9% |
| 17 | 51.1% | 43.4% |
| 18 | 52% | 43.5% |
| 19 | 52.7% | 43.4% |
| 20 | 52.4% | 42.8% |
| 21 | 50.1% | 41.4% |
| 22 | 46.4% | 40.6% |
| 23 | 45.2% | 38.9% |
| 24 | 40.1% | 37.1% |
| 25 | 41.3% | 35.8% |
By year
The best and worst Volkswagen Polo years
2020 cars come out best and 2018 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Polo | 10,503 | 12.7% | 14% more fails | 22,970 |
| 2020 Polo | 46,167 | 11.3% | 3% fewer fails | 24,982 |
| 2019 Polo | 102,121 | 15.1% | 18% more fails | 28,715 |
| 2018 Polo | 151,188 | 18.8% | 33% more fails | 32,726 |
| 2017 Polo | 151,846 | 19.7% | 20% more fails | 38,746 |
| 2016 Polo | 173,034 | 21.6% | 12% more fails | 46,256 |
| 2015 Polo | 172,780 | 24.3% | 8% more fails | 53,319 |
| 2014 Polo | 149,161 | 30.1% | 17% more fails | 59,903 |
| 2013 Polo | 134,423 | 33.6% | 17% more fails | 65,739 |
| 2012 Polo | 129,511 | 35.3% | 11% more fails | 71,691 |
| 2011 Polo | 139,095 | 39.3% | 13% more fails | 78,345 |
| 2010 Polo | 131,616 | 40.8% | 10% more fails | 82,727 |
| 2009 Polo | 81,371 | 44.3% | 16% more fails | 81,302 |
| 2008 Polo | 89,897 | 47% | 17% more fails | 87,443 |
| 2007 Polo | 83,187 | 47.3% | 15% more fails | 90,804 |
| 2006 Polo | 73,177 | 50.5% | 20% more fails | 94,125 |
| 2005 Polo | 58,788 | 52.1% | 22% more fails | 94,624 |
| 2004 Polo | 52,065 | 52.5% | 23% more fails | 94,463 |
| 2003 Polo | 42,979 | 52.6% | 25% more fails | 93,448 |
| 2002 Polo | 25,454 | 51.9% | 26% more fails | 91,012 |
| 2001 Polo | 15,970 | 46.3% | 18% more fails | 82,760 |
| 2000 Polo | 10,395 | 44.9% | 17% more fails | 86,166 |
| 1999 Polo | 4,860 | 37.5% | 8% more fails | 69,875 |
| 1998 Polo | 2,416 | 42.6% | 29% more fails | 65,625 |
| 1997 | 942 | 41.8% | 26% more fails | 69,462 |
| 1996 | 280 | 42.1% | 29% more fails | 67,700 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Volkswagen Polo
Its weak spot is exhaust, emissions and leaks: 55% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.6%22% above avg
- Suspension10.4%16% above avg
- Brakes8.6%29% above avg
- Tyres6.3%5% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6%26% above avg
- Body, chassis and structure5.4%53% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks4.8%55% above avg
- Steering2.6%40% above avg
- Seat belts and airbags1.2%21% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Position lamp not working 2.29% of tests
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 2
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.2% of tests
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.19% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.03% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
CV joint boot split or insecure 1.91% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 6
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 1.9% of tests
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
- 7
Coil spring fractured or broken 1.8% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 8
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.79% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Volkswagen Polo's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit14%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking9.52%
- Brake disc pitted or scored7.4%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear6.17%
- Shock absorber light oil misting4.91%
- Brake pads wearing thin4.28%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Volkswagen Polo
- 1
Position lamp not working
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
- 2
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
- 3
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 4
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Volkswagen Polo covers about 7,100 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol91.4%
- Diesel8.6%
- LPG0%
- Hybrid0%
- Electric0%
- Other0%
Most common colours
Black, Silver, White, Grey, Blue
Average engine size: 1.2 litres.
Compare
How the Volkswagen Polo compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Honda Jazz | 25.7% | 11% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MINI Hatch | 25.6% | 10% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Toyota Yaris | 28.9% | about average for its age |
| Volkswagen Polo | 32.8% | 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Fiesta | 33.9% | 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 36.4% | 28% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Renault Clio | 43.1% | 44% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every small car ranked in the small car reliability index, or all Volkswagen models.
Questions
Volkswagen Polo questions, answered
Is the Volkswagen Polo reliable?
On MOT results, the Volkswagen Polo is below average: it fails 32.8% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 27 of 63 small car models in our index.
What fails most on a Volkswagen Polo MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Volkswagen Polo are position lamp not working (2.29% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (2.2% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (2.19% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 13.6% of its tests.
Which Volkswagen Polo year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2020 cars do best (3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2018 cars do worst (33% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Volkswagen Polo do a year?
A typical Volkswagen Polo covers about 7,100 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Volkswagen Polo before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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