2024 Volkswagen Polo: known problems and what to check
Cars registered in 2024 haven’t had their first MOT yet (it’s due at 3 years old), so there are no MOT results to show. Here’s what we do know about the 2024 Volkswagen Polo, and what to check before you buy one.
Known faults on the 2024 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
Three recalls
Recalls covered seatbelt buckles that could unlatch (2018), the handbrake adjuster (2019) and the brake servo on some cars built late 2019 to early 2020.
At the viewing: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN.
- TSI petrol
Sticking turbo actuator (TSI petrol)
Cars that do very few miles can have the turbo actuator seize, and the usual fix is a rebuilt turbo.
At the viewing: Check for flat acceleration or a warning light on the test drive.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2024 Volkswagen Polo
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Has all the recall work been done?
- Has the turbo had any work?
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
What to check on a 2024 car
- Warranty left
Ask for the date it was first registered and check how much of the maker’s warranty is left, and that it transfers to you. Electric and hybrid batteries usually have a longer, separate warranty.
- Servicing
Servicing on time with the maker’s schedule keeps the warranty valid. Ask for the service book or the dealer’s digital record.
- Finance
Nearly new cars are often still on finance. A history check shows outstanding finance, and whether it has been written off or stolen.
- Recalls
Ask whether any recall work has been done, and check the reg on GOV.UK’s free recall checker.
- Logbook (V5C)
The name and address should match the seller, and the VIN on the V5C should match the car.
Looking at a Volkswagen Polo?
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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 |
| 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% |
| 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 |
Where this comes from: how many are on the road is from the Department for Transport’s vehicle licensing statistics (DVLA records), counted by the year each car was first registered. Known faults are from UK buying guides, in our own words, with links. How we score