2010 · 14 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2010 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

36,968 MOT tests in 2024. 57.1% passed first time, compared with 59.6% for all cars the same age.

96Below average
Passed first time57.1%
Failed or needed repairs42.9%
Typical mileage at test86,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 36,968 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak4.7%
  2. Linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.5%
  3. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements3.5%
  4. Coil spring: fractured or broken3.4%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.2%
  6. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn3.0%
  7. Position lamp: not working2.9%
  8. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.9%
    1,617 marked dangerous
  9. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt2.5%
  10. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam2.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics26.1%
  2. Suspension25.4%
  3. Brakes19.8%
  4. Body & chassis9.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks8.0%
  6. Tyres7.9%
  7. Steering4.9%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)4.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.0%
  2. Shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak15.6%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure11.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.0%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases9.4%

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: shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak. 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 2010 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 57.1% of 2010 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 36,968 tests. The average for all 14-year-old cars was 59.6%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2010 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were shock absorbers: has a serious fluid leak; linkage ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2010 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 96, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).