2019 · 5 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2019 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate and common faults

35,862 MOT tests in 2024. 83.1% passed first time, compared with 84.9% for all cars the same age.

98Below average
Passed first time83.1%
Failed or needed repairs16.9%
Typical mileage at test32,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 35,862 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.8%
  2. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.2%
  3. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6%
    852 marked dangerous
  4. Tyres - condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.0%
  5. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick1.0%
    457 marked dangerous
  6. Headlamp aim: too low0.9%
  7. Washers: not working0.8%
  8. Track rod end: ball joint dust cover insecure so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt0.6%
  9. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid0.6%

Problem areas

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

  1. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)5.3%
  2. Steering4.8%
  3. Tyres4.3%
  4. Lights & electrics3.5%
  5. Brakes2.2%
  6. Suspension0.8%
  7. Seat belts & airbags0.6%
  8. Emissions & leaks0.6%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.9%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.0%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick5.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened5.1%
  5. Brake discs: significantly and obviously worn2.9%

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: track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. 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 2019 Volkswagen Polo?

In 2024, 83.1% of 2019 Volkswagen Polo cars passed their MOT first time, across 35,862 tests. The average for all 5-year-old cars was 84.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2019 Volkswagen Polo?

The most common failure reasons were track rod end: ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm. The biggest problem area was visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors).

Is the 2019 Volkswagen Polo reliable at MOT time?

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