2017 Volkswagen Polo · 151,846 MOT tests
2017 Volkswagen Polo reliability
2017 Volkswagen Polos fail 19.7% of first MOT tests, 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 24 Polo years (151,846 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- 19.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 20% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- 38,746
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 6
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 151,846
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2017 against the years either side
- 2016 cars: 12% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does worse)
- 2018 cars: 33% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2017 car does better)
- Weak spot: suspension, 4.9% of tests fail here (80% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: lights and electrics, 14% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2017 car carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
Common problems
What fails on a 2017 Volkswagen Polo
Fail rate by area
- Brakes5.3%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors5.1%
- Tyres5.1%
- Suspension4.9%
- Lights and electrics3.5%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.9%
- Body, chassis and structure0.7%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 2.74%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.69%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 1.64%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 1.53%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Windscreen washers not working 1.16%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 1.04%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (12.38%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (10.79%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (9.38%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.49%) · Brake pads wearing thin (6.01%) · Brake discs showing some wear (3.14%)
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 2017 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
2017 Volkswagen Polos fail 19.7% of first MOT tests, 20% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 18 of 24 Polo years (151,846 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2017 Volkswagen Polo MOT?
Most often suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (2.74% of tests), wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.69% of tests), tyre tread below 1.6mm (1.64% of tests).
How many miles should a 2017 Volkswagen Polo have done?
At its MOT aged about 6, a typical 2017 Volkswagen Polo shows 38,746 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2017 car?
A car first registered in 2017 carries a 66 plate (January–February 2017), or a 17 plate (March–August 2017), or a 67 plate (September–December 2017).
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