Used car guide · 1977–2026

Volkswagen Polo common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong on a used Volkswagen Polo, year by year: known faults from UK buying guides, the parts flagged at MOT more than on other cars (from 1,873,319 MOTs done during 2023–2025), and what to check before you buy one.

The 1979 Volkswagen Polo

Our MOT figures start with cars first registered in 1990. There are no known faults on record for this year in the UK buying guides we use, so the rest of this page covers the Volkswagen Polo as a whole.

33on the UK register at the end of 2025
ProbablyMOT-exempt (40+ years old), unless substantially changed
Petrolfuel type
What to check on a 1979 car
  • Rust and structure

    Look underneath at the sills, floor, chassis rails and jacking points. Rust in the structure costs far more to fix than paint bubbles.

  • MOT-exempt isn’t roadworthy

    Cars over 40 don’t need an MOT, but they must still be safe. A voluntary MOT or a specialist inspection is worth the money.

  • Paperwork

    Old MOT certificates, bills and restoration photos show how it has been looked after. Check the logbook matches the car’s VIN and engine number.

  • Originality

    Changes from standard affect value and insurance. Ask what has been replaced or modified.

  • Insurance

    Classic insurance is often cheaper but may limit mileage and use. Get a quote before you buy.

Other years

Most years have their own guide. The year is when the car was first registered (it’s on the logbook, or check the reg below).

20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901989198819871986198519841983198219811980197919781977

Generation guides: Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R) (2009–2017) · Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW) (2017–2024)

What usually goes wrong with a Volkswagen Polo?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

  • Timing chain rattle (1.2 petrol)

    Cars registered 2009–2017 · 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.

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

  • Three recalls

    Cars registered 2018–2025 · 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

  • Timing chain stretch (1.2 petrol, 2002–05)

    Cars registered 2002–2005 · 1.2 petrol, 2002 to 2005

    The early 1.2’s timing chain stretches, making it run lumpily and rattle, and it can snap.

    At the viewing: Listen for rattling at a cold start and for lumpy running.

    Source: Haynes: how to buy a VW Polo Mk4 (2002-2009)

  • 7-speed DSG automatic

    Cars registered 2009–2017 · DSG 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.

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

  • Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

    Cars registered 2009–2017 · 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.

    If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

  • Sticking turbo actuator (TSI petrol)

    Cars registered 2018–2025 · 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

  • Fire-risk and brake recalls

    Cars registered 2002–2008 · All engines

    Recalls covered fuel pump cover bolts (cars built March to Aug 2004), seats that could catch fire (built May 2005 to Feb 2007), heated seat wiring and a brake servo pipe that could crack.

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

    Source: Haynes: how to buy a VW Polo Mk4 (2002-2009)

  • Broken cambelt tensioner (1.4 and 1.6 petrol)

    Cars registered 2002–2008 · 1.4 and 1.6 petrol

    The plastic cambelt tensioner can break.

    At the viewing: Ask when the cambelt and tensioner were last changed.

    Source: Haynes: how to buy a VW Polo Mk4 (2002-2009)

  • Coils and EGR valves

    Cars registered 2002–2008 · Petrol

    Failing ignition coils and EGR valves cause misfires, hard starting and a lumpy idle.

    At the viewing: Listen for misfires and check the engine light goes out.

    Source: Haynes: how to buy a VW Polo Mk4 (2002-2009)

  • Rust in the front arches and windscreen base

    Cars registered 2002–2008 · All engines

    The arch liners rub through the front wheel arches, and rust forms under the windscreen seal.

    At the viewing: Look inside the front arches and along the bottom of the windscreen.

    Source: Haynes: how to buy a VW Polo Mk4 (2002-2009)

2 more known faults

  • Loose camshaft adjuster bolts

    Cars registered 2013–2015

    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.

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

  • Window and instrument faults

    Cars registered 2002–2008 · All engines

    Electric window faults are common, and bad solder in the instrument cluster causes random warning lights and a faulty fuel gauge.

    At the viewing: Try every window and watch the gauges.

    Source: Haynes: how to buy a VW Polo Mk4 (2002-2009)

Common Volkswagen Polo MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, for each fuel on its own. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

Petrol

  • Exhaust system

    up to 1.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

  • Exhaust emissions (catalyst)

    up to 3.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2011.

    Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for an engine warning light.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints

    up to 2.9× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Shock absorbers

    up to 3.1× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    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.

  • Link ball joint covers

    up to 3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 2.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 2001, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Diesel

  • Braking performance

    up to 5.2× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2002, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Track rod ends

    up to 15.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2018 and 2019.

    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.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints

    up to 3.6× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

  • Suspension arm bushes and joints

    up to 4× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2001, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

  • Shock absorbers

    up to 3.7× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2018 and 2019.

    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.

  • Number plate lights

    up to 2.3× usual

    Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2022 Volkswagen Polo did best (92% passed first time, 3 points above all 2022 cars) and the 2005 did worst (48%, 9 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

YearPass first timeAll cars that yearMOT tests
202392%92% +0932
202292%89% +323,387
202189%87% +259,486
202088%87% +177,980
201982%85% -3108,465
201877%83% -6129,299
201778%80% -2136,341
201676%77% -1153,888
201573%74% -1152,852
201468%70% -2131,590
201364%67% -3115,106
201262%64% -2111,797
201159%62% -3118,494
201057%60% -3112,381
200954%59% -569,765
200852%57% -575,631
200752%57% -569,689
200649%56% -759,926
200548%57% -946,730
200448%57% -939,493
200347%57% -1032,066
200249%58% -918,644
200154%60% -611,687
200055%61% -67,635
199961%63% -22,825
199857%65% -81,492
199759%65% -61,152
199661%66% -51,017
199562%67% -5430 (small sample)
199464%67% -3487 (small sample)
199357%68% -11765
199267%69% -2627
199168%71% -3770
199060%72% -12490 (small sample)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Volkswagen Polo

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

  1. Has the timing chain been checked or replaced?
  2. Has all the recall work been done?
  3. Has the timing chain been replaced, and is there an invoice?
  4. Has the turbo had any work?
  5. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)
  6. Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the Volkswagen Polo as on other cars the same age.)

Looking at a Volkswagen Polo?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Where this comes from: MOT figures are the DVSA’s anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, grouped by the year each car was first registered. How many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score