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Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) (2009-2016) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) built around 2016: about average at the MOT

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) models built around 2016 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age.

Looking at a Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) right now?

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

Key figure

21% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) models built around 2016 ended in a fail (retests included), against 23% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) models built around 2016 involves the tyres.

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C)
average reliability2009-2016HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 430,493 tests of Polo models registered 2009-2016.

About 1 in 30 Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) MOTs (3.3%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2016 (9 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 65,280 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 20 Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) MOTs (5.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2016 (9 years old).

Based on 65,280 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk5 (6R/6C) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
25,88220.4%
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
17,68632.7%

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 16 years old.

How the Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) compares

At each age below, see how the Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 275,457 tests across 17 Volkswagen models, built around 2016 (9 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
25,88220.4%
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
17,68632.7%

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.

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.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

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.

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 Mk5 (6R/6C).

  1. 1

    Suzuki Celerio

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.9%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    2%
    Dangerous
    3.6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.5%

    Lower fail rate: 15.9%, against 21.2% for the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C), both built around 2016.

    9,155 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  2. 2

    Toyota Aygo

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    1.9%
    Dangerous
    4.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    96%

    Lower fail rate: 15.6%, against 21.2% for the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C), both built around 2016.

    27,136 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  3. 3

    DS 4

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.1%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,659 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

  4. 4

    DS 3

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    29.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    90.9%

    No clear edge over the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate, share still registered and recalls only.

    15,393 MOT tests on cars built around 2016

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

8 of the 31 Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 6 more

Top concerns

  • Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
  • Unintentional airbag deployment
  • Takata front airbag

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

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2016 (9 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol Polo tests (not specific to Mk5 (6R/6C)).

Under 1.0 litre23.3%23,024 tests1.0 to 1.4 litres19.4%34,875 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres19.8%3,604 tests
How Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) cars have aged

How Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) 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%579111315Age at MOTBuilt around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.8% (40,069 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.2% (39,560 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.4% (39,410 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 19.7% (39,059 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 20.6% (39,028 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (40,477 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.1% (39,942 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.4% (40,002 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (39,871 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (39,562 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (35,089 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (34,731 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (34,792 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (34,364 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (34,179 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 23.7% (31,862 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 24.5% (31,419 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 26.3% (31,499 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.0% (31,328 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.6% (30,684 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 25.1% (31,837 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (31,330 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (31,267 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (30,931 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (30,509 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (34,455 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.1% (34,014 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (33,330 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (32,566 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (31,221 tests, 2025 data)2011Built around 2010, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (35,025 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2010, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.2% (34,259 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2010, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (33,247 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2010, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (32,182 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2010, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 31.5% (30,467 tests, 2025 data)2010Built around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.9% (21,829 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.4% (21,130 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 31.7% (20,330 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (18,926 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.7% (17,686 tests, 2025 data)2009
First registered around 2016First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013
Mk5 (6R/6C) variants compared

Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) variants built around 2016

The fail rate for each Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • POLO20.9%61,476 tests

Diesel

  • POLO26.2%3,774 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 2016, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk5 (6R/6C) 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

    19.3%
    Advisory: 17,725Fail: 1,581 (8% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    16.5%
    Advisory: 12,169Fail: 3,696 (23% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    13.2%
    Advisory: 11,983Fail: 235 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    12.7%
    Advisory: 10,878Fail: 1,408 (11% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    6.7%
    Advisory: 4,365Fail: 825 (16% of the times it was found)

Based on 65,280 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2016 (9 years old), the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R/6C) (2009-2016) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 65,280 9-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 430,493 MOT tests on Volkswagen Polo models first registered between 2009-2016. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.