2014 Volkswagen Polo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2014 Volkswagen Polos, from 44,283 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 2014 Volkswagen Polos than on all cars registered in 2014.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.8× usualVolkswagen Polo14.8% All 2014 cars8.2%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Braking performance1.9× usualVolkswagen Polo7.7% All 2014 cars4%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Number plate lights1.6× usualVolkswagen Polo8.5% All 2014 cars5.2%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Shock absorbers1.6× usualVolkswagen Polo8.9% All 2014 cars5.7%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 system1.6× usualVolkswagen Polo5.8% All 2014 cars3.6%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
Ball joint: 1.7% here, against 4.2% of all 2014 cars.
By area
The share of 2014 Volkswagen Polo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres32% 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.
- Suspension32% 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.
- Brakes28% 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.
- Lights and electrics21% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors8% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions7% 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.
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.
- Loose camshaft adjuster bolts
On cars built between December 2013 and December 2014, the camshaft adjuster bolts can work loose.
At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check whether the fix was done for this car.
- 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% |
| 2013 | 38,335 | Suspension 37% |
| 2012 | 37,118 | Suspension 40% |
| 2011 | 38,656 | Suspension 49% |
| 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 2014 Volkswagen Polos registered in 2014. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score