Used Volkswagen Polo (Mk5, 2009-2017) - What should you look for?

Buyers young and old are attracted to the Volkswagen Polo for its premium image and solid reputation. Despite this, the Mk5 Polo failed to shine in our annual Driver Power satisfaction surveys.

Common used Volkswagen Polo problems

Airbag

Not all models have a front passenger airbag that can be switched off, so if you carry small children in the front of the car, make sure you find a Polo with this feature.

Exhaust

Particulate filters in the exhaust can get clogged on diesels that aren’t driven often, so consider buying a petrol-powered model if you don’t cover that many miles a year. 

Headlamps

Some owners have found the headlight lenses on their cars have been heat-damaged by the daytime running lights being on for long periods of time.

Brake discs

Check that the brake discs aren’t worn or warped by feeling for juddering under braking. Some owners have found that the discs wear quickly on their Polos.

Recalls

There have been five recalls for the Polo Mk5, including one for the emissions problem that has affected many 1.6 TDI VWs. The first campaign was in December 2014 because a cracked filter could lead to fuel leaks. Two months later some cars were recalled because of the possibility of an airbag going off for no reason.

In August 2015 some Polos were recalled because the front seats could fail in a collision. The last campaign was in June 2016 because the child locks on the rear doors could fail.