Volkswagen Polo Base 12v 1.2l 5 Door MOT failure rate
What a Volkswagen Polo Base 12v 1.2l 5 Door fails its MOT on, from real DVSA test data, and the part that resolves each item.
Based on 26 MOT tests in DVSA data.
We hold 26 MOT tests for the Volkswagen Polo Base 12v 1.2l 5 Door in the DVSA data. That is a smaller sample than our high-volume models, so treat these figures as indicative rather than definitive.
On what we have, about 26.9% fail, most often on suspension, tyres, brakes, lamps & electrical. For a precise picture of your own car, use the registration check on the home page. Confirm any part against your registration or VIN before buying.
What it fails on, and why
Suspension failures usually mean a worn or snapped coil spring, a leaking shock absorber, or play in a lower arm ball joint or bush. The tester checks for corrosion, fractures and excessive movement. A broken front spring is one of the most common failures on higher-mileage cars and is a straightforward replacement.
Tyres fail for tread below the 1.6mm legal limit across the central three-quarters, uneven or exposed-cord wear, or sidewall damage. The tester inspects all four; a single illegal tyre is a fail.
Brake failures cover worn pads and discs, an imbalance between wheels, corroded or scored discs, or a binding caliper. Braking efficiency is measured on a rolling road, so a spongy or pulling brake shows up as a low reading.
Lighting is the single most common MOT failure and the cheapest to put right. A blown headlight, brake-light or number-plate bulb, a cracked lens, or a headlamp beam that points too high or low will all fail. Most are a two-minute bulb swap.
Steering faults are typically worn track-rod ends or ball joints, play in the rack, or a split gaiter letting grease out and dirt in. Excessive free play at the wheel fails.
Visibility failures include torn or smearing wiper blades, a washer jet that does not reach the screen, and chips or cracks in the driver's swept area. Blades and washer fluid are quick, cheap fixes.
The parts that fix each
If your car has just failed, you have 10 working days to fix the items and get a free partial retest. These are the usual parts; confirm the exact fitment against your registration or VIN before buying.
Other models
Sources: DVSA MOT History API: MOT test results and defect data ยท DVSA MOT testing data for Great Britain