Used car guide · 2017–2024

Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW): best and worst years, and what goes wrong

How each year of the Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW) 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 535,890 MOT tests.

2022best year: 92% pass first time, 3 points above all 2022 cars
2018weakest year: 77% pass first time, 6 points below all 2018 cars
Track rod endsthe weak spot that shows up in 3 different years

Which Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW) years are best and worst at their MOT?

First-time MOT pass rate for each year of the Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW), against all cars registered the same year. Older cars fail more, so the comparison with cars the same age is what matters.

60%80%100%2017: 78% pass first time (all 2017 cars: 80%) 78% 2017*2018: 77% pass first time (all 2018 cars: 83%) 77% 20182019: 82% pass first time (all 2019 cars: 85%) 82% 20192020: 88% pass first time (all 2020 cars: 87%) 88% 20202021: 89% pass first time (all 2021 cars: 87%) 89% 20212022: 92% pass first time (all 2022 cars: 89%) 92% 20222023: 92% pass first time (all 2023 cars: 92%) 92% 2023
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
2017*78%80% -2Suspension arm bushes and joints 3.5× usual136,341
201877%83% -6Track rod ends 17.2× usual129,299
201982%85% -3Track rod ends 15.9× usual108,465
202088%87% +1Track rod ends 9.5× usual77,980
202189%87% +2Nothing unusual59,486
202292%89% +3Nothing unusual23,387
202392%92% +0Nothing unusual932

Common Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW) 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.

  • Track rod endsup to 17.2× usual

    Stands out in 3 years: 2020, 2019, 2018.

    Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

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

  • Washersup to 1.9× usual

    Stands out in 2 years: 2019, 2018.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

What usually goes wrong with the Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW)?

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

  • 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.

    Check: Ask a VW dealer to check the VIN.

    Source: Auto Express: used VW Polo Mk6 review

  • 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.

    Check: Check for flat acceleration or a warning light on the test drive.

    Source: Auto Express: used VW Polo Mk6 review

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?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, whether it already shows these weak spots, and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.