1996 · 28 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1996 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

328 MOT tests in 2024. 58.8% passed first time, compared with 66.2% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time58.8%
Failed or needed repairs41.2%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 328 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.6%
  2. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.0%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    26 marked dangerous
  5. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
  6. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.0%
  7. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.0%
  8. Position lamp: not working3.0%
  9. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.0%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes21.3%
  2. Suspension15.9%
  3. Emissions & leaks15.5%
  4. Lights & electrics14.9%
  5. Body & chassis9.8%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)8.2%
  7. Tyres7.3%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.0%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.7%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded20.4%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm14.6%
  4. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn14.0%
  5. Wheel bearings: has excessive play13.4%

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: 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.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1996 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 58.8% of 1996 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 328 tests. The average for all 28-year-old cars was 66.2%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1996 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; service brake imbalance: across an axle; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1996 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).