Used Volkswagen Polo 2018-present reliability
Category: Small car
The classy and spacious Volkswagen Polo ranks among our favourite small cars.
What should I look for in a used Volkswagen Polo hatchback?
When viewing a used car, always follow our used car checklist.
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?
At the time of writing, the VW Polo has eigtht recalls listed. To check whether a car has been affected, you can contact your local Volkswagen dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.
Reason for recall
Left rear seat belt may unfasten involuntarily.
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles, a spacer will be fitted in the double buckle of the rear seat.
Number of affected vehicles: 45,714
Date of recall: 26/11/2018
Reason for recall
Hand brake lever travel increase due to adjuster nut movement.
How the manufacturer will repair: Re-adjust assembly and fit locking device to nut.
Number of affected vehicles: 44,256
Date of recall: 04/02/2019
Reason for recall
Oil may get into the brake servo through the vacuum lines of the tandem pump leading to a loss of braking assistance.
How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the vacuum line from the tandem pump. Check other components for oil and replace if necessary.
Number of affected vehicles: 4103
Date of recall: 16/03/2020
Reason for recall
A dash panel with a faulty installed net for the design breakage point for the discharge of the passenger airbag has been fitted.
How the manufacturer will repair: On the affected vehicles, the dash panel has to be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 6889
Date of recall: 19/10/2021
Reason for recall
The sunroof frame may not have been correctly bonded to the body roof.
How the manufacturer will repair: Check and, if necessary, correctly bond the sunroof frame to the body roof.
Number of affected vehicles: 35
Date of recall: 27/12/2021
Reason for recall
On all affected Polos, there's a possibility that the roof spoiler may not have been bonded to the rear lid with the specified process materials.
How the manufacturer will repair: On all affected vehicles, the roof spoiler has to be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 356
Date of recall: 20/04/2022
Reason for recall
The front passenger airbag may be faulty. In the event of an accident-related deployment, the front passenger airbag may have a reduced protective effect. The gas generator housing may also burst and components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants.
How the manufacturer will repair: The passenger airbag must be replaced.
Number of affected vehicles: 563
Date of recall: 09/06/2025
Reason for recall
The rear axle bolted connection may not have been completed to specification. There is a risk of the axle becoming detached and a resultant loss of control and possible collision or injury.
How the manufacturer will repair: Check and if necessary re-work the rear axle bolted connection.
Number of affected vehicles: 2
Date of recall: 28/08/2025
Is a used Volkswagen Polo hatchback reliable?
The Polo finished in fifth place out of 26 entries in the small car class in our latest What Car? Reliability Survey, with a score of 98.5%. That's a very good result, placing it above the Audi A1, Fiat 500 and Skoda Fabia, but below the Mini Hatch.
As a brand, Volkswagen ranked in joint 24th place with Ford out of 30 manufacturers featured, with an overall score of 90.5%. This placed it above Fiat and MG, but below Hyundai, Kia, Mini, Renault and Skoda.
Used Volkswagen Polo reliability: the owners' view
In our latest reliability survey, owners said the 2018-present Volkswagen Polo is a sturdy choice, though not without its technical "gremlins". While many owners enjoy trouble-free motoring, a notable trend in the feedback highlights sensitive electronic safety systems. Specifically, several owners reported instances of the emergency braking system activating unexpectedly on bends, which some described as "frightening".
Dealer interactions received mixed reviews. On the positive side, Volkswagen workshops were praised for their efficiency, with 83% of repairs covered under warranty and many minor faults, such as bodywork issues, fixed within a single day. However, some owners were frustrated by recurring electrical faults, including infotainment screens that refuse to turn off and faulty window mechanisms. Despite these digital hiccups, the Polo remains a popular used buy thanks to its mechanical robustness and generally low repair costs.
