2002 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 49.0% of Volkswagen Polos first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. Across 18,672 Polo first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were lamps and electrical equipment, suspension and noise, emissions and leaks.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Volkswagen Polos first used in 2002 (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 2002 Volkswagen Polo MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, Polos first used in 2002 against all cars first used in 2002 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the Polo figure was 10.5 points lower.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2002 Polo | All cars first used 2002 | Polo first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 46.3% | 54.4% | 11,441 |
| 2022 | 47.5% | 56.2% | 9,278 |
| 2023 | 48.1% | 57.5% | 7,621 |
| 2024 | 48.7% | 58.0% | 6,136 |
| 2025 | 49.0% | 59.5% | 4,915 |
Common 2002 Volkswagen Polo MOT failures
Share of the 9,613 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect | 18.4% | 1,768 |
| Position lamp: not working | 13.1% | 1,262 |
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 11.0% | 1,062 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 10.7% | 1,029 |
| Stop lamp: not working | 9.7% | 929 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a Polo in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2002 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.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Engine and emissions. Worth checking that the engine warning light goes out after starting, looking for oil leaks under the car, and noticing any smoke from the exhaust.
Common 2002 Volkswagen Polo MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2002 Polos, as a share of all 18,672 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 20.7% | 3,871 |
| Coil spring: corroded | 14.8% | 2,765 |
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 13.9% | 2,595 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 12.2% | 2,283 |
| Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread | 10.0% | 1,865 |
Questions about the 2002 Volkswagen Polo MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2002 Volkswagen Polo?
In 2025, 49.0% of Polos first used in 2002 passed their MOT first time, against 59.5% for all cars first used in 2002. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2002 Polo most often fail its MOT on?
Lamps and electrical equipment (in 54.6% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), suspension (39.4%) and noise, emissions and leaks (28.2%). The single most common item was “Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect” (18.4%).
How often does a 2002 Volkswagen Polo fail its MOT?
In 2025, 51.0% of first tests on Polos first used in 2002 did not pass first time: 42.0% failed, and a further 9.1% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 9,613 of 18,672 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2002 Volkswagen Polo MOT advisories?
“Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (on 20.7% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Coil spring: corroded” (14.8%), “Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (13.9%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (12.2%) and “Registration plates: deteriorated but not likely to be misread” (10.0%).
Is a 2002 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 46.3% in 2021 to 49.0% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2002
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2002 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2002 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2002 Toyota Yaris MOT statistics · 2002 MINI Hatch MOT statistics · 2002 BMW 3 Series MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2002 Polo?
The numbers above cover every Polo first used in 2002 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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