2011 Volkswagen Polo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2011 Volkswagen Polos, from 38,656 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2011 Volkswagen Polos than on all cars registered in 2011.
- Shock absorbers2.9× usualVolkswagen Polo22% All 2011 cars7.6%Rough price £150–£400
At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.
- Exhaust system2× usualVolkswagen Polo12.6% All 2011 cars6.4%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Number plate lights1.7× usualVolkswagen Polo13.8% All 2011 cars8.1%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Track rod end1.8× usualVolkswagen Polo9.4% All 2011 cars5.3%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
- Link ball joint covers1.9× usualVolkswagen Polo5.2% All 2011 cars2.7%Rough price £80–£200
At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
Rigid brake pipes: 1% here, against 6.1% of all 2011 cars. Brake pads: 4.6% here, against 9.4% of all 2011 cars.
By area
The share of 2011 Volkswagen Polo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension49% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres33% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes26% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Exhaust and emissions14% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Oil and fluid leaks8% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Timing chain rattle (1.2 petrol)1.2 petrol
The 1.2 petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch and rattle.
At the viewing: Listen for a rattle in the first few seconds of a cold start.
- 7-speed DSG automaticDSG automatic only
Owners have reported problems with the 7-speed DSG.
At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, test it in slow traffic and ask for proof of gearbox oil changes.
- Blocked particulate filter (diesel)Diesel
Diesels used mostly for short, cold journeys can clog the particulate filter.
At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 6,782 | Tyres 21% |
| 2021 | 6,255 | Tyres 27% |
| 2020 | 13,752 | Tyres 25% |
| 2019 | 36,634 | Tyres 27% |
| 2018 | 43,719 | Suspension 30% |
| 2017 | 45,884 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 51,800 | Tyres 31% |
| 2015 | 51,297 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 44,283 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 38,335 | Suspension 37% |
| 2012 | 37,118 | Suspension 40% |
| 2010 | 36,122 | Suspension 52% |
| 2009 | 22,048 | Suspension 50% |
| 2008 | 23,214 | Suspension 47% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2011 Volkswagen Polos registered in 2011. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score