Used car guide · 2009–2017

Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R): best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R) did at the MOTs done during 2023–2025, compared with other cars the same age, the weak spots that keep coming up, and what to check before you buy one. From 1,102,214 MOT tests.

2015best year: 73% pass first time, 1 points below all 2015 cars
2010weakest year: 57% pass first time, 3 points below all 2010 cars
Shock absorbersthe weak spot that shows up in 5 different years

Which Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R) years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R), against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

40%70%100%2009: 54% pass first time (all 2009 cars: 59%) 54% 2009*2010: 57% pass first time (all 2010 cars: 60%) 57% 20102011: 59% pass first time (all 2011 cars: 62%) 59% 20112012: 62% pass first time (all 2012 cars: 64%) 62% 20122013: 64% pass first time (all 2013 cars: 67%) 64% 20132014: 68% pass first time (all 2014 cars: 70%) 68% 20142015: 73% pass first time (all 2015 cars: 74%) 73% 20152016: 76% pass first time (all 2016 cars: 77%) 76% 20162017: 78% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) 78% 2017*
This model, first-time pass rate All cars registered that year · * changeover year: some cars are the previous or next generation
YearPass first timeAll cars that yearStands outMOT tests
2009*54%59% -5Track rod ends 2.4× usual69,765
201057%60% -3Shock absorbers 2.8× usual112,381
201159%62% -3Shock absorbers 3.1× usual118,494
201262%64% -2Shock absorbers 2.2× usual111,797
201364%67% -3Number plate lights 2.1× usual115,106
201468%70% -2Suspension arm bushes and joints 1.9× usual131,590
201573%74% -1Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.3× usual152,852
201676%77% -1Suspension arm bushes and joints 2.7× usual153,888
2017*78%80% -2Suspension arm bushes and joints 3.5× usual136,341

Common Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R) MOT failures, year after year

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year of this generation. Repeat findings like these are much less likely to be chance.

  • Shock absorbersup to 3.1× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.

    Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

  • Braking performanceup to 2.3× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Number plate lightsup to 2.1× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.

    Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

    At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

  • Exhaust systemup to 2× usual

    Stands out in 5 years: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010.

    Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

  • Steering rack inner jointsup to 3.2× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2013, 2012, 2011.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Suspension arm bushes and jointsup to 2.7× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2016, 2015, 2014.

    Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

What usually goes wrong with the Volkswagen Polo Mk5 (6R)?

From owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Not every car will have them.

  • Timing chain rattle (1.2 petrol)

    The 1.2 petrol uses a timing chain that can stretch and rattle.

    Check: Listen for a rattle in the first few seconds of a cold start.

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

  • 7-speed DSG automatic

    Owners have reported problems with the 7-speed DSG.

    Check: If it’s an automatic, test it in slow traffic and ask for proof of gearbox oil changes.

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

  • Blocked particulate filter (diesel)

    Diesels used mostly for short, cold journeys can clog the particulate filter.

    Check: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights.

    If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

  • Loose camshaft adjuster bolts

    On cars built between December 2013 and December 2014, the camshaft adjuster bolts can work loose.

    Check: Ask a VW dealer to check whether the fix was done for this car.

    Source: What Car?: used Polo (2009-2017) reliability

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting each car's main test of the year (not retests). A weak spot needs at least 30 cars flagged and must stay 1.5× the usual rate even at the cautious end of a 95% confidence range. Generation years are approximate: cars registered in a changeover year (*) can be either generation. How we score

Looking at a Volkswagen Polo?

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