2001 · 23 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2001 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

3,819 MOT tests in 2024. 54.0% passed first time, compared with 59.4% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time54.0%
Failed or needed repairs46.0%
Typical mileage at test82,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,819 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt6.7%
  2. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect6.2%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.7%
  4. Position lamp: not working4.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.7%
  6. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault3.7%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  8. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction3.2%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
    172 marked dangerous
  10. Stop lamp: not working2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics38.2%
  2. Brakes21.6%
  3. Emissions & leaks17.2%
  4. Body & chassis16.2%
  5. Suspension15.3%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.1%
  7. Tyres8.5%
  8. Steering3.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine26.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.0%
  3. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn13.1%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases12.9%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded12.8%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2001 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 54.0% of 2001 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,819 tests. The average for all 23-year-old cars was 59.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2001 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2001 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).