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Volkswagen Polo reliability by build year

Coverage 2002-present3 named generationssuperminiHatchbackPETROL / DIESEL
At a glance

Volkswagen Polo built around 2018: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Polo models built around 2018 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Check a Volkswagen Polo by number plate

Key figure

20% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Polo models built around 2018 ended in a fail (retests included), against 18% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Polo models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Volkswagen Polo's most common MOT issues, turned into things to ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Steering track rods

Worth checking

On a flat surface, rock the steering wheel briefly with the engine off and listen for clunks.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

By build year

How build years differ

Fail rates have been steady over the last three years. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your Polo's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

Polo Mk6 (AW)

Mk6 (AW) (2017-present)

Too close to call between ratings
PETROLDIESEL

19.7% fail rate, built around 2018 (7 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

From 53,210 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Polo Mk5 (6R/6C)

Mk5 (6R/6C) (2009-2016)

Average
PETROLDIESEL

21.2% fail rate, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 5 MOTs, 20.8%)

From 65,280 MOT tests at this ageView details →
Polo Mk4 (9N)

Mk4 (9N) (2002-2008)

Too close to call between ratings
PETROLDIESEL

34.0% fail rate, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 3 in 10 MOTs, 31.2%)

From 32,777 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Volkswagen Polo.

See every build year for the Volkswagen Polo

Side-by-side

Volkswagen Polo generations compared

Each generation is shown at 7 years old if it has at least 100 MOT tests at that age. If not, or if its cars are too new to be 7, it's shown at another age. We try ages close to 7 first. Newer generations have fewer years of data.

GenerationRatingFail rate
Mk6 (AW) (2017-present)
No ratingToo close to call between ratings
No ratingToo close to call between ratings19.7%built around 2018 (7 years old)from 53,210 MOT tests at this age
Mk5 (6R/6C) (2009-2016)
Average
Average21.2%built around 2016 (9 years old)from 65,280 MOT tests at this age
Mk4 (9N) (2002-2008)
No ratingToo close to call between ratings
No ratingToo close to call between ratings34.0%built around 2008 (17 years old)from 32,777 MOT tests at this age

Each row is one generation of the Polo, shown at the age printed under its fail rate. So rows can be different ages. Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail, retests included. A rating is given only when there are enough tests to place the fail rate in one rating band with 95% confidence.

By age

Volkswagen Polo fail rate by age

This chart combines every Volkswagen Polo ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
3 yearsbuilt around 2022
28,4498.7%
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
33,26911.3%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
33,52414.1%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
51,21319.2%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
53,21019.7%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
61,33619.9%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
65,28021.2%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
64,58323.3%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
56,10226.3%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
51,54228.0%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
53,41629.3%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
51,61731.2%
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
44,38532.0%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
31,61133.3%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
32,77734.0%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
28,34334.7%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
23,19136.0%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
17,02736.0%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
14,24736.1%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
10,39535.8%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
5,32433.9%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
3,84133.0%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
5,54030.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 21 years old.

Where it ranks

Where the Volkswagen Polo stacks up

Three ways to compare the same cars, built around 2018 (7 years old). The fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests, and 1st has the lowest fail rate. Only models with at least 500 MOT tests at this age are ranked. How we count fail rates

Against other Volkswagen models

16th of 16

Among the highest fail rates of the 16 Volkswagen models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

In the highest third

Against other hatchbacks

63rd of 84

63rd lowest fail rate of 84 hatchbacks with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age.

Close to the middle third

Against the UK average

19.7%

The share of this model's MOT tests at this age that ended in a fail.

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 6 MOTs, 16.6%)

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 7-year-old Volkswagen Polo models

These issues come from 7-year-old Volkswagen Polo models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.3%
    Advisory: 13,968Fail: 1,205 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.4%
    Advisory: 9,267Fail: 861 (9% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.3%
    Advisory: 6,650Fail: 101 (1% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    7.6%
    Advisory: 4,513Fail: 1,490 (25% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    7.5%
    Advisory: 3,990Fail: 703 (15% of the times it was found)

Based on 53,210 MOT tests on 7-year-old Volkswagen Polo models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 7-year-old Volkswagen Polo models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelPlenty of data
  1. Suspension + Tyres36%
  2. Brakes + Tyres33%
  3. Brakes + Suspension27%
  4. Other + Tyres13%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 15,325 MOT tests on Volkswagen Polo cars built around 2018 (7 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

95%of this model's cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · About typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

31 recalls in all

23 of the 31 Volkswagen Polo recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 6 Critical
  • 17 more

Top concerns

  • Check rear axle bolted connection
  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Replace front passenger airbag

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

Like-for-like

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks to compare

  1. 1

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.5%
    Dangerous
    2.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 13.9%, against 19.7% for the Volkswagen Polo, both built around 2018.

    5,662 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    13%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.2%
    Dangerous
    4.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 13.0%, against 19.7% for the Volkswagen Polo, both built around 2018.

    25,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Skoda Citigo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.6%
    Dangerous
    3.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.3%, against 19.7% for the Volkswagen Polo, both built around 2018.

    6,553 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Suzuki Swift

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    14.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.8%
    Dangerous
    3.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95%

    Lower fail rate: 14.7%, against 19.7% for the Volkswagen Polo, both built around 2018.

    11,074 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volkswagen Polo across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. It has among the highest fail rates of the 16 Volkswagen models with enough MOT tests to rank, at this age. This is based on 53,210 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Volkswagen Polo ever sold: 820,222 tests. The main figures are for cars built around 2018 (7 years old): 53,210 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.