2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

12,964 MOT tests in 2024. 47.3% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

84Well below average
Passed first time47.3%
Failed or needed repairs52.7%
Typical mileage at test94,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 12,964 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect9.0%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt8.3%
  3. Position lamp: not working5.6%
  4. Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction5.2%
  5. Stop lamp: not working4.2%
  6. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.8%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
    688 marked dangerous
  8. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.3%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed3.2%
    591 marked dangerous
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics45.5%
  2. Suspension25.0%
  3. Brakes22.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks19.1%
  5. Body & chassis17.6%
  6. Tyres10.8%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.3%
  8. Steering5.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.2%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.3%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened9.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.9%

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: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. 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 2004 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 47.3% of 2004 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 12,964 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2004 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 84, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).