2021 Volkswagen Polo · 10,503 MOT tests
2021 Volkswagen Polo reliability
2021 Volkswagen Polos fail 12.7% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 24 Polo years (10,503 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- 12.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Volkswagen Polos: 32.8%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 14% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- 22,970
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 3
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 10,503
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2021 against the years either side
- 2020 cars: 3% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2021 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 1% of tests fail here (232% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 16% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2021 car carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
Common problems
What fails on a 2021 Volkswagen Polo
Fail rate by area
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.2%
- Tyres3.6%
- Lights and electrics2.5%
- Brakes1.4%
- Seat belts and airbags1%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks0.3%
- Number plates and VIN0.3%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.91%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Tyre cut reaching ply or cords 0.8%
A cut reaching the ply or cords weakens the tyre and can cause a burst, so it must be replaced.
Windscreen washers not working 0.73%
Without working washers the windscreen cannot be cleaned while driving, which is a safety risk in dirty weather.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 0.66%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Headlamp aim set too low 0.65%
Headlamps aimed too low light the road poorly and reduce the driver's view ahead, especially at night.
Windscreen washer fluid insufficient 0.59%
Washers are not supplying enough liquid, so the windscreen cannot be cleared properly, which is a safety issue.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (7.5%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.42%) · Brake pads wearing thin (2.72%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (1.83%) · Brake discs showing some wear (1.22%) · Nail in tyre, monitor (1.12%)
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 2021 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
2021 Volkswagen Polos fail 12.7% of first MOT tests, 14% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 8 of 24 Polo years (10,503 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2021 Volkswagen Polo MOT?
Most often wiper blade not clearing windscreen (2.91% of tests), tyre cut reaching ply or cords (0.8% of tests), windscreen washers not working (0.73% of tests).
How many miles should a 2021 Volkswagen Polo have done?
At its MOT aged about 3, a typical 2021 Volkswagen Polo shows 22,970 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2021 car?
A car first registered in 2021 carries a 70 plate (January–February 2021), or a 21 plate (March–August 2021), or a 71 plate (September–December 2021).
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