2018 · 6 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2018 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

43,010 MOT tests in 2024. 75.9% passed first time, compared with 82.5% for all cars the same age.

92Well below average
Passed first time75.9%
Failed or needed repairs24.1%
Typical mileage at test39,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 43,010 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt11.0%
  2. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.9%
    1,215 marked dangerous
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.2%
    670 marked dangerous
  5. Washers: not working1.2%
  6. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  7. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.0%
  8. Headlamp aim: too low0.9%
  9. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak0.8%
  10. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Steering13.8%
  2. Tyres4.8%
  3. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.0%
  4. Lights & electrics3.6%
  5. Brakes3.2%
  6. Suspension1.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks0.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags0.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.9%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.4%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick7.1%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened6.5%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn3.9%

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: track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it 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 2018 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 75.9% of 2018 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 43,010 tests. The average for all 6-year-old cars was 82.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2018 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; track rod end: ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was steering.

Is the 2018 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).