Used car guide
2011 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.
Petrol
59% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%)
Stands out: shock absorbers 3.1×, number plate lights 1.8×, exhaust system 1.9×
103,153 MOTsSee the petrol guide ›
Diesel
55% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%)
Stands out: shock absorbers 3×, exhaust system 2.3×, engine warning light 3.7×
15,341 MOTsSee the diesel guide ›
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2011 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.
- DSG automatic only
7-speed DSG automatic
Owners have reported problems with the 7-speed DSG.
At the viewing: If it’s an automatic, test it in slow traffic and ask for proof of gearbox oil changes.
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% |
| 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% |
| 2003 | 32,066 | 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 |