1991 · 33 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1991 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

237 MOT tests in 2024. 66.2% passed first time, compared with 71.1% for all cars the same age.

93Below average
Passed first time66.2%
Failed or needed repairs33.8%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 237 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.6%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  3. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated3.4%
  4. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.4%
  5. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.0%
  6. Integral vehicle structure condition: corroded to the extent that the rigidity of the assembly is significantly reduced2.5%
  7. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements2.5%
  8. Exhaust system: system insecure2.5%
  9. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.1%
  10. Flexible brake hoses: excessively deteriorated2.1%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes28.3%
  2. Lights & electrics21.1%
  3. Suspension17.3%
  4. Body & chassis16.5%
  5. Steering5.9%
  6. Tyres5.1%
  7. Emissions & leaks5.1%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.7%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.7%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases11.4%
  4. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine11.4%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play10.5%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: service brake imbalance: across an axle. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1991 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 66.2% of 1991 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 237 tests. The average for all 33-year-old cars was 71.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1991 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wheel bearings: rough when rotated. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1991 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 93, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).