1998 · 26 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1998 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

478 MOT tests in 2024. 56.3% passed first time, compared with 64.9% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time56.3%
Failed or needed repairs43.7%
Typical mileage at test66,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 478 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.5%
  2. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.3%
  3. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits4.0%
  4. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.6%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.1%
  6. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.1%
    45 marked dangerous
  7. Service brake imbalance: across an axle2.9%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits2.9%
  9. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn2.9%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.9%
    33 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes23.2%
  2. Lights & electrics20.9%
  3. Emissions & leaks17.4%
  4. Suspension16.3%
  5. Body & chassis11.7%
  6. Tyres9.2%
  7. Seat belts & airbags7.9%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)7.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine15.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.3%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.6%
  4. Wheel bearings: has excessive play13.0%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded11.1%

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 1998 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 56.3% of 1998 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 478 tests. The average for all 26-year-old cars was 64.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1998 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 1998 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).