Used Volkswagen Polo 2018-present reliability
Category: Small car
The classy and spacious Volkswagen Polo ranks among our favourite small cars, although reliability can be an issue.
What should I look for in a used Volkswagen Polo hatchback?
As with all used car purchases, check for any signs of accident damage, such as uneven panel gaps. Also look for any parking damage, such as scuffs to bumpers and kerbed wheels, because only the higher-spec versions get front and rear parking sensors.
If you're buying an entry-level S model, bear in mind that you won’t be able to connect your smartphone to the infotainment system without the App Connect option, so have a thorough look at the spec sheet of the car before you buy.
What are the most common problems with a used Volkswagen Polo hatchback?
Seatbelt buckle
Certain Polos manufactured between 1 May 2017 and 12 October 2018 were subject to a recall that relates to a design flaw with the rear seatbelts. The weight of the middle passenger shifting to the side during a high-speed emergency lane change could unbuckle the seatbelt of the person sitting next to them. Contact your local VW dealer to make sure the car you're considering has had a spacer fitted between the two buckles to solve the issue.
Handbrake
The travel in the handbrake might increase due to the adjuster working loose on examples built between 12 October 2017 and 22 October 2018. Find out from your local VW dealer if yours is affected because it'll need to have the handbrake adjusted and a locking device added to prevent future issues.
Oil in the brake servo
There's a risk that oil might get into the brake servo of some Polos made between 8 October 2019 and 6 February 2020 through various vacuum lines. The whole system will need to be checked over by a VW technician in case there's oil in the system, and parts will need to be replaced if there is. Speak to your local dealer for further information.
Is a used Volkswagen Polo hatchback reliable?
The Polo, rather disappointingly, finished in 12th place out of 18 entries in the small car class in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey. It scored a reasonable 94.9%, however. This result put it above the Audi A1, Fiat 500 and Skoda Fabia, but below the Honda Jazz, Kia Picanto and Toyota Yaris.
Volkswagen as a brand ranked 22nd out of 32 manufacturers featured with an overall score of 90.2%. This placed it above Audi, Mercedes, Renault and Vauxhall but below BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Kia and Skoda.
Used Volkswagen Polo reliability: the owners' view
As part of our annual Reliability Survey, What Car? readers said the Volkswagen Polo had rather a mixed reliability record. Several owners reported issues with warning lights and faulty sensors, often leading to costly repairs. Some also mentioned problems with the infotainment system and others had minor electrical faults.
While several readers found their Polos to be reliable, the consensus highlighted that when issues did arise, the cost and time to repair were higher than expected.
Feedback on dealer service was similarly mixed. Some praised the professionalism and efficiency of their local dealerships, while others were frustrated by long wait times for repairs and a lack of communication. A recurring complaint was the perceived high cost of repairs and servicing at official dealerships.
To sum up, while many owners enjoyed their Volkswagen Polo, there is a notable divide in experiences regarding reliability and dealer service.
