2022 Volkswagen Polo — MOT failures & pass rate
24,600 MOT tests on the 2022 Volkswagen Polo are in this dataset, and 94.1% of them passed. Superminis of a similar age fail at 6.9%, so the 2022 Polo sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in tyres, visibility and lighting & signalling.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — tyres (3.4%) and visibility (1.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are headlamp aim, wipers and tread depth — headlamp aim alone was recorded 315 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 5.0% in the 0-30k band and 14.7% in the 60-90k band, a 9.7-point spread — more than double.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: tyres was flagged on 19.1% of tests without failing them.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 3.4% | 829 |
| 2 | Visibility | 1.6% | 394 |
| 3 | Lighting & signalling | 1.2% | 295 |
| 4 | Brakes | 1.0% | 251 |
| 5 | Seat belts & restraints | 0.8% | 207 |
| 6 | Suspension | 0.3% | 74 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headlamp aim | 315 |
| 2 | Wipers | 312 |
| 3 | Tread depth | 237 |
| 4 | Brake pads | 193 |
| 5 | Washers | 161 |
| 6 | Service brake performance | 57 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyres | 19.1% | 4,692 |
| 2 | Brakes | 6.9% | 1,702 |
| 3 | Other defects | 4.1% | 1,008 |
| 4 | Visibility | 2.7% | 661 |
| 5 | Suspension | 1.1% | 264 |
| 6 | Steering | 0.8% | 202 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 0-30k | 19,611 | 5.0% |
| 30-60k | 4,760 | 9.4% |
| 60-90k | 211 | 14.7% |
Failure rate by age
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 693 | 3.2% |
| 2025 | 23,875 | 6.0% |
What to check before buying a 2022 Polo
On a 2022 Polo, tyres is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 3.4% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Tyres (3.4% of tests): Usually a quick, known-cost fix, but check tread, age and uneven wear (which can hint at alignment or suspension issues). Typical repair: £50–£120 per tyre.
- Visibility (1.6% of tests): Wipers, washers, mirrors and screen damage — usually inexpensive, but check for chips in the driver's line of sight. Typical repair: £15–£150.
- Lighting & signalling (1.2% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 2022 Volkswagen Polos pass their MOT?
94.1% of the 24,600 2022 Volkswagen Polo MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 5.9% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 2022 Volkswagen Polo?
Tyres, recorded in 3.4% of tests, followed by visibility (1.6%).
Does the 2022 Polo get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 5.0% in the 0-30k band to 14.7% in the 60-90k band.
Methodology & source. Based on 24,600 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.