1992 · 32 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1992 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

197 MOT tests in 2024. 68.0% passed first time, compared with 68.8% for all cars the same age.

99About average
Passed first time68.0%
Failed or needed repairs32.0%
Typical mileage at test89,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 197 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength5.1%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.6%
  3. Position lamp: not working4.1%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.6%
  5. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.6%
  6. System: component leaking3.0%
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.0%
  8. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.0%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid2.5%
  10. Catalyst emissions: hydrocarbon content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Body & chassis20.8%
  2. Suspension18.8%
  3. Lights & electrics18.3%
  4. Brakes17.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks15.2%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.1%
  7. Tyres5.1%
  8. Steering2.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.3%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded14.2%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play9.6%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases8.6%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm7.6%

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: component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 1991 PoloAll Polo years1993 Polo →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1992 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 68.0% of 1992 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 197 tests. The average for all 32-year-old cars was 68.8%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1992 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was body & chassis.

Is the 1992 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 99, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).