2011 Volkswagen Polo · 139,095 MOT tests
2011 Volkswagen Polo reliability
2011 Volkswagen Polos fail 39.3% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 24 Polo years (139,095 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- 39.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 13% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- 78,345
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 12
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 139,095
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2011 against the years either side
- 2010 cars: 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- 2012 cars: 11% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2011 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1.8% of tests fail here (92% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: windscreen, wipers and mirrors, 12% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2011 car carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
Common problems
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Polo
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics18.4%
- Suspension15.9%
- Brakes9.9%
- Tyres6.4%
- Body, chassis and structure6.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.2%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Shock absorber serious fluid leak 4.76%
A shock absorber leaking heavily has likely lost its damping, so the car will handle and brake less safely.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 3.26%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.24%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Position lamp not working 3.14%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Registration plate lamp not working 3.01%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 2.36%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (14.51%) · Shock absorber light oil misting (14.48%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.92%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (8.2%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (6.65%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (6.12%)
Other years
Every Volkswagen Polo year
The full picture: Volkswagen Polo reliability. Before you pay for any Volkswagen Polo, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2011 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
2011 Volkswagen Polos fail 39.3% of first MOT tests, 13% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 7 of 24 Polo years (139,095 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2011 Volkswagen Polo MOT?
Most often shock absorber serious fluid leak (4.76% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (3.26% of tests), dipped beam headlamp not working (3.24% of tests).
How many miles should a 2011 Volkswagen Polo have done?
At its MOT aged about 12, a typical 2011 Volkswagen Polo shows 78,345 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2011 car?
A car first registered in 2011 carries a 60 plate (January–February 2011), or a 11 plate (March–August 2011), or a 61 plate (September–December 2011).
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