2018 Volkswagen Polo: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Volkswagen Polo?

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

• Track rod ends17.2× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  20.6% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.8%, against 0.6% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  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× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  4.6% All 2018 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Washers1.9× usual
  Volkswagen Polo

  2.7% All 2018 cars

  1.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

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

Common 2018 Volkswagen Polo MOT failures and advisories

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.

• Tyres
  28% 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.

• Suspension
  25% 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.

• Brakes
  16% 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.

Known faults on the 2018 Volkswagen Polo

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.

• Three recalls

  All engines

  Recalls covered seatbelt buckles that could unlatch (2018), the handbrake adjuster (2019) and the brake servo on some cars built late 2019 to early 2020.

  At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Polo Mk6 review

• Sticking turbo actuator (TSI petrol)

  TSI petrol

  Cars that do very few miles can have the turbo actuator seize, and the usual fix is a rebuilt turbo.

  At the viewing: Check for flat acceleration or a warning light on the test drive.

  Source: Auto Express: used VW Polo Mk6 review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Volkswagen Polo

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Has the turbo had any work?
3. Any recent work on the track rod ends? (Flagged at MOT 17.2× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?