2003 Volkswagen Polo: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2003 Volkswagen Polo
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Fire-risk and brake recalls
Recalls covered fuel pump cover bolts (cars built March to Aug 2004), seats that could catch fire (built May 2005 to Feb 2007), heated seat wiring and a brake servo pipe that could crack.
At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- All engines
Rust in the front arches and windscreen base
The arch liners rub through the front wheel arches, and rust forms under the windscreen seal.
At the viewing: Look inside the front arches and along the bottom of the windscreen.
- All engines
Window and instrument faults
Electric window faults are common, and bad solder in the instrument cluster causes random warning lights and a faulty fuel gauge.
At the viewing: Try every window and watch the gauges.
Looking at a Volkswagen Polo?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Volkswagen Polo compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 932 | Tyres 11% |
| 2022 | 23,387 | Tyres 22% |
| 2021 | 59,486 | Tyres 25% |
| 2020 | 77,980 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 108,465 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 129,299 | Tyres 28% |
| 2017 | 136,341 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 153,888 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 152,852 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 131,590 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 115,106 | Tyres 32% |
| 2012 | 111,797 | Suspension 35% |
| 2011 | 118,494 | Suspension 45% |
| 2010 | 112,381 | Suspension 48% |
| 2009 | 69,765 | Suspension 47% |
| 2008 | 75,631 | Suspension 44% |
| 2007 | 69,689 | Suspension 43% |
| 2006 | 59,926 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2005 | 46,730 | Suspension 47% |
| 2004 | 39,493 | Suspension 48% |
| 2002 | 18,644 | Suspension 51% |
| 2001 | 11,687 | Lights and electrics 43% |
| 2000 | 7,635 | Brakes 40% |
| 1999 | 2,825 | Brakes 37% |
| 1998 | 1,492 | Brakes 37% |
| 1997 | 1,152 | Suspension 40% |
| 1996 | 1,017 | Suspension 42% |
| 1995 | 430 | Suspension 46% |
| 1994 | 487 | Brakes 35% |
| 1993 | 765 | Brakes 37% |
| 1992 | 627 | Suspension 33% |
| 1991 | 770 | Brakes 37% |
| 1990 | 490 | Lights and electrics 40% |
| 1989 | – | Too few tests |
| 1988 | – | Too few tests |
| 1987 | – | Too few tests |
| 1986 | – | Too few tests |
| 1985 | – | Too few tests |
| 1984 | – | Too few tests |
| 1983 | – | Too few tests |
| 1982 | – | Too few tests |
| 1981 | – | Too few tests |
| 1980 | – | Too few tests |
| 1979 | – | Too few tests |
| 1978 | – | Too few tests |
| 1977 | – | Too few tests |