Volkswagen Polo

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 34 model years from 1,132,275 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

76%

Total Tests

1,132,275

Highest Pass Rate

2021 (93%)

Years Covered

About the Volkswagen Polo

The Volkswagen Polo was MOT tested 1,132,275 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 34 model years (1990 to 2023), with an average pass rate of 76%. That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93% from 12,920 tests. The 2003 model has the lowest at 67%. With a 26 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Volkswagen Polos pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 8 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1990) averages 83,845 miles, while the newest (2023) averages 33,452 miles.

Compared to the Volkswagen brand average of 85%, the Polo is 9 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Volkswagen models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1119cc)

£1,177

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£350

Total per year£1,782

Per month£149/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.88p petrol and 199.52p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 5 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2023 details

How reliable is the Volkswagen Polo?

vs average of all models-6% (82% avg)

vs Volkswagen brand average-9% (85% avg)

Best to worst year spread26 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Volkswagen Polo by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2023	84%	106	33,452 mi
2022	95%	413	20,300 mi
2021	93%	12,920	22,309 mi
2020	92%	27,020	28,541 mi
2019	89%	65,751	35,212 mi
2018	84%	79,867	42,136 mi
2017	84%	80,360	48,515 mi
2016	84%	92,860	55,959 mi
2015	82%	94,129	62,780 mi
2014	80%	81,831	69,477 mi
2013	79%	75,894	74,217 mi
2012	78%	73,366	80,312 mi
2011	75%	79,721	85,976 mi
2010	74%	75,715	90,330 mi
2009	71%	44,908	89,112 mi
2008	70%	49,575	94,775 mi
2007	70%	45,463	97,013 mi
2006	68%	39,766	99,533 mi
2005	68%	30,507	99,509 mi
2004	67%	26,290	100,124 mi
2003	67%	21,166	98,247 mi
2002	68%	12,081	96,635 mi
2001	71%	7,359	88,668 mi
2000	71%	4,800	92,133 mi
1999	75%	2,808	74,358 mi
1998	71%	1,681	68,113 mi
1997	72%	1,201	73,181 mi
1996	70%	1,139	77,130 mi
1995	73%	361	83,075 mi
1994	71%	511	80,048 mi
1993	69%	819	92,842 mi
1992	76%	616	91,991 mi
1991	74%	789	91,515 mi
1990	75%	482	83,845 mi

Questions about the Volkswagen Polo

Is the Volkswagen Polo reliable?

Across its 34 model years in our data (1990 to 2023), the Volkswagen Polo averages a 76% MOT pass rate, from 1,132,275 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 6 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2021 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 93%.

Which year Volkswagen Polo has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2021 Volkswagen Polo has the highest MOT pass rate at 93%, while the 2003 model has the lowest at 67%, a 26 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.