Used car guide

2020 Volkswagen Polo: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2020 Volkswagen Polos, from 13,752 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

13,752MOT tests in 2025
86%pass first time (all 2020 cars: 86%)
6,500typical miles a year
11.4×the usual rate for track rod end

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2020 Volkswagen Polos than on all cars registered in 2020.

  • Track rod end11.4× usual
    Volkswagen Polo
    8% All 2020 cars
    0.7%
    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.

By area

The share of 2020 Volkswagen Polo MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Tyres
    25% 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
    14% 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.

  • Suspension
    11% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    7% 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
    4% 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%
201936,634Tyres 27%
201843,719Suspension 30%
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 2020 Volkswagen Polos registered in 2020. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score