2001 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 55.1% of Volkswagen Polos first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. Across 11,726 Polo first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, brakes and body, chassis and structure.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Volkswagen Polos first used in 2001 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2001 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Polos first used in 2001 against all cars first used in 2001 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Polo figure was 6.0 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2001 Polo | All cars first used 2001 | Polo first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 51.5% | 55.6% | 7,261 |
| 2022 | 53.5% | 57.4% | 5,711 |
| 2023 | 54.2% | 58.7% | 4,761 |
| 2024 | 54.0% | 59.4% | 3,851 |
| 2025 | 55.1% | 61.1% | 3,114 |
Common 2001 Volkswagen Polo MOT failures
Share of the 5,351 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 15.2% | 815 |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 14.4% | 768 |
| Position lamp: not working | 12.5% | 671 |
| Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases | 10.6% | 568 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 9.9% | 532 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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What to check on a 2001 Volkswagen Polo before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Brakes. Worth looking at the discs and pads through the wheel spokes for scoring and a worn lip, and noticing on the test drive whether the car pulls to one side or the pedal feels long.
- Body and underside. Worth looking underneath with a torch at the sills, floor and mountings for corrosion, and at the rubber boots on the drive shafts for splits.
Common 2001 Volkswagen Polo MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2001 Polos, as a share of all 11,726 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 26.2% | 3,077 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 18.1% | 2,121 |
| Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases | 12.6% | 1,472 |
| Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement | 12.5% | 1,463 |
| Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material | 12.1% | 1,416 |
Questions about the 2001 Volkswagen Polo MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2001 Volkswagen Polo?
In 2025, 55.1% of Polos first used in 2001 passed their MOT first time, against 61.1% for all cars first used in 2001. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2001 Polo most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 55.4% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), brakes (30.2%) and body, chassis and structure (29.6%). The single most common item was “Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt” (15.2%).
How often does a 2001 Volkswagen Polo fail its MOT?
In 2025, 44.9% of first tests on Polos first used in 2001 did not pass first time: 36.4% failed, and a further 8.6% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 5,351 of 11,726 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2001 Volkswagen Polo MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 26.2% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (18.1%), “Exhaust system: has a minor leak of exhaust gases” (12.6%), “Suspension arm pins and bushes: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement” (12.5%) and “Rigid brake pipes: corroded, covered in grease or other material” (12.1%).
Is a 2001 Volkswagen Polo reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 51.5% in 2021 to 55.1% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2001
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2001 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2001 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2001 Volkswagen Transporter MOT statistics · 2001 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2001 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2001 Polo?
The numbers above cover every Polo first used in 2001 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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