Volkswagen Polo problems and buying advice

Is a used Volkswagen Polo reliable?

The VW Polo is an eternal favourite. Like the Golf, the little car has been selling like hot cakes for years. This success can only have something to do with its reliability. The Polo is certainly not a bad car, but even the top seller doesn't leave with a clean slate. After all, the current, fifth model generation has so far been virtually free from defects.

VW Polo 4th generation (2002-2009) defects

A fourth-generation Polo is already at least 11 years old. No wonder the problems can pile up, especially with a neglected one. The fourth-generation Polo (9N, 9N2 and 9N3) does not always come out well in expert reports. The German "TÜV report 2014" mainly notes defects in the axles and drive shafts, as well as complaints about the foot and parking brakes. From the sixth year onwards, there are additional problems with the brake hoses. The successor, on the other hand, has so far been almost free of defects, only the driveline oil loss is quite high, according to the report. A similar picture of the small car from Wolfsburg emerges from its breakdown frequency. It was only after the 2005 facelift, which brought extensive technical improvements and a much more modern front end instead of the Lupo face, that problems decreased noticeably, according to the ADAC. In its statistics, the Polo is listed with a few peculiarities: Petrol models built until 2003 experienced fairly frequent failures in the intake manifold pressure sensor. There was a special goodwill arrangement for skipping engine distribution chains on the 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI until model year 2009. Flaws in the lambda sensor (petrol engines up to 2006), faulty pencil coils (petrol engines from 2005 onwards) and broken coolant temperature sensors (petrol engines 2002/2003) also caused problems.

VW Polo 5 from 2009-2017 (6R & 6C) problems

The almost immaculate Polo V has been on the market since 2009 and a facelift took place in April 2014. When it comes to the engines, the Polo covers quite a broad performance spectrum for a small car. Depending on the year of manufacture and version, the fourth-generation petrol engines deliver between 40 kW/55 hp and 132 kW/180 hp. The diesel engine range is thinner and varies from 47 kW/64 hp to 96 kW/130 hp. With the 5th generation of the Polo, the values for the petrol engines are between 44 kW/60 hp and 162 kW/220 hp in the Polo R WCR. The oil burners achieve between 55 kW/75 hp and 77 kW/105 hp. A bi-fuel variant for use with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has also been added to the range (60 kW/82 hp and 63 kW/86 hp).

Certain Polos manufactured between May 1, 2017 and October 12, 2018 were subject to a recall related to a design flaw with the rear seat belts; the weight of the middle passenger sliding to the side while changing lanes at high speed can dislodge the belt from the person sitting next to them. Contact a local VW dealer to make sure the car you're considering has a spacer between the two buckles that fixes this problem.

In the Netherlands, thousands of Polos were called back to the garage because of problems with the hand brake. According to the RDW, a certain adjusting nut can come loose. In that case, the handbrake would not work, with all possible consequences. This concerns models built between 12 October 2017 and 22 October 2018. Ask your local VW dealer if yours also has this so the garage can adjust the handbrake and secure the adjusting nut with a so-called counter nut.

There is a risk of oil entering the brake booster of some Polos made between 8 October 2019 and 6 February 2020 through various vacuum lines. The entire system should be checked by a VW technician in case there is oil in the system, and parts should be replaced if so. Contact a local dealer for more information.

If you're looking for speed, go for a special 220bhp WRC model. If you're looking for economy, go for the 1.2 TDI BlueMotion. There are also turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engines and bi-fuel, i.e. LPG drive. Tip: 1.2 TSI with 105 hp and DSG gearbox - there is no greater driving pleasure in this class. But there are also potential problems, the timing chains of 1.2 and 1.4 TSI. The problem is not new to VW: if it rattles during a cold start, take it to the workshop, otherwise there is a risk of engine damage! Jerking DSG automatic transmission makes starting and manoeuvring more difficult, a garage can fix this with new software. The idle speed of the 1.2 TSI is too low and some turbo engines lose power. Faulty spark plugs and headlights are also often reported, as are running tyre pressure monitoring systems.

VW Polo VI (AW) 2017 to present

The Polo VI with type designation AW is the sixth generation Polo that was presented in June 2017. This model is based on the new MQB A0 platform. After the Seat Ibiza (6F), the Polo VI is the second vehicle on this platform that will also be used for other models from Seat, Volkswagen, Audi and Skoda. In the autumn of 2020, the Polo was visually redesigned with the switch to the 2021 model year.

As often happens at the start of a new series, the Polo VI (type AW) also had a few recalls. Belt buckles, steering and misaligned drum brakes were affected. These problems should now all be fixed as a goodwill or warranty gesture. If you own one of the early years, be sure to inquire whether everything has been repaired to specification! Electrical problems are increasingly common in new cars, which have many more electronics fitted than in the past. Unfortunately, the Polo VI (type AW) is no exception. Defects in the start-stop function, failure of the automatic windscreen wipers or malfunctions in the central locking system are well known. However, these are problems that in terms of cost can almost always be fixed quickly and positively as part of the vehicle warranty or as a goodwill gesture. Paintwork defects have also been reported. Paintwork can become loose over a wide area, especially on the tailgate. This often happens after visiting a car wash, so hand washing might be a good idea!

The Polo VI (type AW) has the most modern TSI petrol engine or the familiar 1.6 TDI diesel. Basically, all problems that occurred with the previous versions should be eliminated here. Elongated timing chains are a thing of the past, the engines run with a timing belt drive. However, the belt should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary (costing around €500). As usual with direct-injection engines, coking may occur. It may then be necessary to clean the intake manifold or EGR valve. With turbochargers, you should also expect damage after many kilometres. Only the future can tell how robust the current generation of Polo engines really are, especially in the powerful Polo GTI.

Conclusion problems with the Polo IV, V and VI

The Polo V (6R & 6C) and the Polo VI (type AW) in particular are both truly excellent, high-quality cars. The good suspension guarantees not only an extremely successful compromise between comfort and sportiness, but also high safety reserves. All engines are extremely economical and generally have a long service life if the prescribed service and maintenance work is carried out correctly. In general, the last two generations of the Polo model are therefore a good choice when buying a used car. Normally, almost all wear and spare parts can be found online at very reasonable prices. If you don't want to do it yourself, we recommend going to an independent workshop, especially for older Polo vehicles. There is hardly a mechanic who does not know the technology of the VW Polo! What about your experience? Is your Polo struggling in an area we haven't covered yet? Leave a comment and help other polo drivers in our community!