Used Car Expert Fault Guides tell you the common Volkswagen Polo faults and wear items that can become problems and big bills for their owner.
Independent research indicated that using our fault guides to check a car before you buy it can save you an average of £300 in surprise bills and hidden problems.
That's because our Volkswagen Polo fault guides are written so that anyone can understand them – even if you know nothing about cars and have no tools. For every common fault, we tell you what to look for, what it means and what it costs.
Select your Volkswagen Polo fault guide:
Volkswagen Polo (1994 - 2002) Fault Guide
Volkswagen Polo (2002 - 2005) Fault Guide
Volkswagen Polo (2005-2009) Fault Guide
Volkswagen Polo (2009-) Fault Guide
Volkswagen Polo (1994 - 2002) Fault Guide
We know of 20 VOLKSWAGEN Polo (1994 - 2002) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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10 engine faults
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2 suspension wear items or faults
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6 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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1 recalls
Here's an example fault on the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (1994 - 2002)
What to look for:
Look for oil leaks under the car once it has been standing for at least ten minutes. Open the bonnet and look for oil running down the front left corner (as you look at the engine) just above the alternator.
What it means:
Oil leaks can be caused by a number of components but on '96 - '99 Polos it is likely to be a head gasket failure that causes the leak.
What to do
Negotiate the repair completed. A new head gasket will cost £200 - £500.
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Volkswagen Polo (2002 - 2005) Fault Guide
We know of 17 VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2002 - 2005) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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9 engine faults
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2 suspension wear items or faults
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3 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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2 recalls
Here's an example fault on the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2002 - 2005)
What to look for:
Check the paperwork to see if the cam belt has been changed on schedule. On most of the petrol engines the cam belt must be changed within 4 years or 80,000 miles.On most of the diesel engines the cam belt must be changed within 4 years or 60,000 miles. These intervals may be shorter than the manufacturer recommends, because garages recommend it is best to be cautious. N.B. The 1.2 litre engine does not have a cam belt.
What it means:
If the cam belt and associated parts (such as tensioner) have not been changed, and the mileage is over these boundaries, the cam belt is likely to fail soon. Usually the engine has to be replaced or at least re-built after a cam belt failure.
What to do
Ensure that the cam belt is changed before the car is driven anywhere if it is coming close to its interval. Changing the belt will cost £200 - £350.
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Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.
Volkswagen Polo (2005-2009) Fault Guide
We know of 17 VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2005-2009) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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5 engine faults
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3 suspension wear items or faults
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5 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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3 recalls
Here's an example fault on the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2005-2009)
What to look for:
Check the cars service book. The book should tell you how the engine is branded, as there are different engine codes for different versions of this engine. You are looking for ‘AQW’ branded engines. If the car has an ‘AQW’ branded engine then look at the engine oil level by opening the bonnet and checking the dipstick. It should be between the markers.
What it means:
If the oil level is low in an ‘AQW’ branded engine then this can be because of a fault with the valves – this means all the valves will need to be replaced.
What to do
If you find this fault and the car is under warranty (3 years or 60,000 miles) then VW may repair it for free. Otherwise try to negotiate a discount of £1000.00 off of the price of the car or have the repair carried out as part of the deal. Be aware that ‘AQW’ branded engines can be less reliable than other 1.2 petrol 3 cylinder units with different branding.
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Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.
Volkswagen Polo (2009-) Fault Guide
We know of 15 VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2009-) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.
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8 engine faults
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3 suspension wear items or faults
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2 interior problems
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1 bodywork issues
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1 recalls
Here's an example fault on the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2009-)
What to look for:
Check that the engine warning lights (including the DPF warning light) go on when the ignition is switched on and go out when the engine is running.
What it means:
The diesel engines on the Polo are fitted with a great deal of complex emissions equipment. These are prone to issues – particularly the DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter). This filter rids the exhaust output of harmful particles. These are stored in the filter and burned off as the car reaches operating temperature. The issue arises if the car rarely reaches this temperature, as cars which only do small urban journeys are prone to do. If the DPF warning light is on this is usually the cause. However, there is a chance of further damage to the engine if this problem has been left for too long.
What to do
If you find engine warning lights on, or the DPF light is illuminated, then VW may diagnose and repair the problem for free if the car is under warranty (3 years/60,000 miles. However, in all cases it is advised to have the car inspected by a qualified mechanic as even though it may cost around £200 to ‘force clean’ the DPF system there is a chance of damage to the exhaust system which can cost £1500+ to rectify.
Register to have full access to the VOLKSWAGEN Polo (2009-) fault guide.
Registered users also get access to our regional price guides, cars for sale email alerts, and many other benefits to help you buy a safe, reliable used car at a great price.