2016 Volkswagen Polo: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2016 Volkswagen Polos, from 51,800 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 2016 Volkswagen Polos than on all cars registered in 2016.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2.5× usualVolkswagen Polo15% All 2016 cars6.1%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 performance2.1× usualVolkswagen Polo5.3% All 2016 cars2.5%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Exhaust system1.6× usualVolkswagen Polo3.1% All 2016 cars2%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
By area
The share of 2016 Volkswagen Polo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres31% 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.
- 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.
- Suspension24% 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.
- Lights and electrics9% 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 mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Exhaust and emissions4% 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.
- 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% |
| 2015 | 51,297 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 44,283 | Tyres 32% |
| 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 2016 Volkswagen Polos registered in 2016. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score