Skip to main content
Check

Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) (2002-2008) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) built around 2008: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) models built around 2008 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

34% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) models built around 2008 ended in a fail (retests included), against 33% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) models built around 2008 involves the tyres.

Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2002-2008HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 143,345 tests of Polo models registered 2002-2008.

About 1 in 12 Polo Mk4 (9N) MOTs (8.6%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2008 (17 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 32,777 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 Polo Mk4 (9N) MOTs (6.6%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2008 (17 years old).

Based on 32,777 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk4 (9N) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
13,92533.9%
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
3,44034.7%

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.

How the Polo Mk4 (9N) compares

At each age below, see how the Polo Mk4 (9N) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 145,528 tests across 17 Volkswagen models, built around 2008 (17 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
13,92533.9%
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
3,44034.7%

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.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

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.

Exhaust

Worth checking

Listen for blow noises from a cold start; check for rust and leaks at the manifold and cat connections.

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

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.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Polo Mk4 (9N).

  1. 1

    Daihatsu Sirion

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.3%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.2%
    Dangerous
    6.2%

    Lower fail rate: 28.3%, against 34.0% for the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N), both built around 2008.

    1,990 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  2. 2

    Nissan Micra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    30.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.9%
    Dangerous
    5.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 30.5%, against 34.0% for the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N), both built around 2008.

    17,936 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  3. 3

    Hyundai Getz

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.4%
    Dangerous
    8.2%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) on these figures.

    5,004 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

  4. 4

    Hyundai i10

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    31.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7.3%
    Dangerous
    8.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.5%

    Lower fail rate: 31.7%, against 34.0% for the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N), both built around 2008.

    3,187 MOT tests on cars built around 2008

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.

How many are still registered

95%of all Volkswagen Polo cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

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

4 of the 31 Polo Mk4 (9N) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • The driver's airbag may not correctly deploy if activated
  • Seat may catch fire
  • Takata front airbag

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

What has gone wrong on Polo Mk4 (9N) cars built around 2008

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 2,160 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
73%
Emissions
45%
Drivetrain
24%
Steering
8%
Bodywork
3%

Wear items

Lighting
57%
Brakes
54%
Tyres
52%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 15% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2008 (17 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Polo tests (not specific to Mk4 (9N)).

1.0 to 1.4 litres34.0%25,182 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres31.8%2,872 tests
How Polo Mk4 (9N) cars have aged

How Polo Mk4 (9N) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%131517192123Age at MOTBuilt around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 31.3% (25,917 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (24,650 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (23,383 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (21,919 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (19,625 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.9% (24,438 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (22,838 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (21,164 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.7% (19,029 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (16,970 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (23,162 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.3% (20,772 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (18,803 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (16,378 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.5% (13,935 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (19,374 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (16,364 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (14,113 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (11,851 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (9,863 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (17,756 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (14,922 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (12,813 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (10,554 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (8,556 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (15,197 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (12,338 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (10,505 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 36.1% (8,478 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 35.6% (6,714 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.0% (8,521 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (6,770 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 35.3% (5,423 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (4,367 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (3,440 tests, 2025 data)2002
First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006First registered around 2005
How each part holds up as Mk4 (9N) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk4 (9N) cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension73%76%75%86%
Brakes54%55%63%60%
Emissions45%45%52%47%
Tyres52%58%60%65%
Lighting57%62%73%80%
Drivetrain24%41%38%53%
Bodywork3%3%3%5%
Steering8%6%6%7%
Corrosion15%14%12%18%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 2,160 to 2,614 cars at each age.

Mk4 (9N) variants compared

Polo Mk4 (9N) variants built around 2008

The fail rate for each Polo Mk4 (9N) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • POLO33.8%28,054 tests

Diesel

  • POLO35.1%4,720 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Polo models of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Polo built around 2008, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk4 (9N) on its own.

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

    23.1%
    Advisory: 9,980Fail: 909 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    15.7%
    Advisory: 6,037Fail: 1,433 (19% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    15.1%
    Advisory: 6,036Fail: 1,011 (14% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    14.0%
    Advisory: 3,876Fail: 989 (20% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Coil spring corroded

    10.6%
    Advisory: 3,722Fail: 1,055 (22% of the times it was found)

Based on 32,777 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2008 (17 years old), the Volkswagen Polo Mk4 (9N) (2002-2008) fails MOTs slightly more often than typical for this age. This is based on 32,777 17-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 143,345 MOT tests on Volkswagen Polo models first registered between 2002-2008. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.