2020 · 4 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2020 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

25,579 MOT tests in 2024. 87.9% passed first time, compared with 86.9% for all cars the same age.

101About average
Passed first time87.9%
Failed or needed repairs12.1%
Typical mileage at test25,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 25,579 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.1%
    485 marked dangerous
  3. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  4. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick0.7%
    246 marked dangerous
  5. Headlamp aim: too low0.7%
  6. Washers: not working0.6%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.5%
  8. Headlamp aim: too high0.4%
  9. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed0.4%
    138 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.0%
  2. Tyres3.4%
  3. Lights & electrics2.2%
  4. Brakes1.5%
  5. Seat belts & airbags0.6%
  6. Emissions & leaks0.5%
  7. Suspension0.4%
  8. Steering0.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm12.0%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure6.8%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.6%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened3.5%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.2%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year is about as good as an average car its age. Before buying, check the area that fails most: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. 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 2020 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 87.9% of 2020 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 25,579 tests. The average for all 4-year-old cars was 86.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2020 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm; tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords. The biggest problem area was visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors).

Is the 2020 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 101, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).