1999 · 25 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1999 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

885 MOT tests in 2024. 62.2% passed first time, compared with 63.3% for all cars the same age.

98About average
Passed first time62.2%
Failed or needed repairs37.8%
Typical mileage at test68,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 885 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.8%
  2. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.4%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.3%
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.2%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.9%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.9%
  7. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength2.8%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.5%
    45 marked dangerous
  9. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.4%
  10. Tyres - condition: has ply or cords exposed2.1%
    36 marked dangerous

Problem areas

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

  1. Emissions & leaks17.3%
  2. Lights & electrics17.1%
  3. Brakes15.5%
  4. Suspension12.8%
  5. Body & chassis10.6%
  6. Tyres8.1%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.7%
  8. Seat belts & airbags4.7%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine20.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm15.5%
  3. Wheel bearings: has excessive play12.1%
  4. Registration plates: inscription illegible10.7%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure10.5%

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: catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits. 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 1999 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 62.2% of 1999 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 885 tests. The average for all 25-year-old cars was 63.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1999 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was emissions & leaks.

Is the 1999 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 98, which is about average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).