1990 · 34 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1990 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

150 MOT tests in 2024. 65.3% passed first time, compared with 72.0% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time65.3%
Failed or needed repairs34.7%
Typical mileage at test81,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 150 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle7.3%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  3. Non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive4.0%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding4.0%
  5. Washers: not working3.3%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  8. Wheel bearings: rough when rotated3.3%
  9. Wheel bearings: has excessive play3.3%
  10. Rear fog lamp: not working2.7%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.0%
  2. Brakes22.7%
  3. Suspension22.7%
  4. Body & chassis16.0%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.7%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.7%
  7. Steering6.7%
  8. Tyres6.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.0%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.0%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases10.0%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play8.7%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm8.7%

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.

All Polo years1991 Polo →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1990 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 65.3% of 1990 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 150 tests. The average for all 34-year-old cars was 72.0%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1990 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; non catalyst emissions: emissions carbon monoxide content excessive. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 1990 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).