Used car guide

2018 Volkswagen Polo: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2018 Volkswagen Polos, from 43,719 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

43,719MOT tests in 2025
75%pass first time (all 2018 cars: 81%)
6,600typical miles a year
13.5×the usual rate for track rod end

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2018 Volkswagen Polos than on all cars registered in 2018.

  • Track rod end13.5× usual
    Volkswagen Polo
    22.9% All 2018 cars
    1.7%
    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.

  • Shock absorbers2.6× usual
    Volkswagen Polo
    7.5% All 2018 cars
    2.9%
    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.

  • Washers1.7× usual
    Volkswagen Polo
    2.6% All 2018 cars
    1.5%
    Rough price £15–£60

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

By area

The share of 2018 Volkswagen Polo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    30% 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.

  • Tyres
    29% 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.

  • Brakes
    17% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    6% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

  • Lights and electrics
    5% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Seats and seatbelts
    2% of testsRough price £80–£250

    At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Looking at a Volkswagen Polo?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20226,782Tyres 21%
20216,255Tyres 27%
202013,752Tyres 25%
201936,634Tyres 27%
201745,884Tyres 31%
201651,800Tyres 31%
201551,297Tyres 31%
201444,283Tyres 32%
201338,335Suspension 37%
201237,118Suspension 40%
201138,656Suspension 49%
201036,122Suspension 52%
200922,048Suspension 50%
200823,214Suspension 47%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2018 Volkswagen Polos registered in 2018. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score