2018 Volkswagen Polo 1.0L Petrol · X26 TJA
2018 Volkswagen Polo (1.0L, petrol). First registered 01 May 2018. Recorded mileage 96,291 miles. MOT valid until 16 May 2027. Taxed until 01 Jul 2027. No outstanding manufacturer safety recalls recorded.
- Make & Model
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO
- Year / Origin
- 2018 · Export Allocation
- Safety Recall
- None Outstanding
- MOT Status
- Valid until 16 May 2027
- Road Tax
- Taxed (01 Jul 2027)
- Recorded Mileage
- 96,291 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- ULEZ Compliant (Euro 4+)
- Fuel & Engine
- PETROL · 1.0L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
X26 TJA Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 18/05/2026
- 96,291 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 1 defect noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring tyres items (5 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
X26 TJA MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2018 Volkswagen Polo (X26 TJA) between May 2024 and May 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 18 May 2026 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Tyres (5 issues), Windscreen (2 issues), Steering (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 6 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Nearside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the”; “Offside Front Track rod end ball joint dust cover excessively damaged or deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ”; “Nearside Front Windscreen wiper does not clear the windscreen effectively (3.4 (b) (ii))”.
X26 TJA Mileage History
- 09/05/202476,814 mi
- 03/05/202585,291 mi+8,477 mi
- 07/05/202585,292 mi+1 mi
- 16/05/202696,291 mi+10,999 mi
- 18/05/202696,291 mi
Average of roughly 9,626 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Volkswagen Volkswagen Polo Mk6 (AW)
Our database tracks 5 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Good
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
Digital Service History
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Buyer's Guide & Inspection Advisory
Expert automotive synthesis from historical MOT defect records and market benchmarks.
Our Verdict
This 2018 Volkswagen Polo has a mixed MOT history with recent suspension issues, making it a cautious purchase unless thoroughly inspected and priced accordingly.
Prioritise a full suspension inspection, focusing on track rod end dust covers and associated components. Verify service history for repairs related to the 2026 MOT failures and check if floor covers were installed correctly. Negotiate a discount for the recent issues, and consider a pre-purchase survey. Be wary of potential hidden corrosion or wear from the 2025 tyre and wiper failures.
The 999cc petrol engine offers decent fuel economy (around 50-60 mpg), but 96k miles may reduce efficiency. Tax in 2026 would be £140 annually for standard petrol cars. Insurance group 18-20 (average for this class) could cost £800-£1,000 yearly. Maintenance costs may rise due to suspension repairs, with track rod end replacements averaging £200-£300. Estimated annual running cost: £800-£1,000.
Focus on suspension components flagged in 2026 MOT: inspect track rod end ball joints for wear, check for oil leaks, and test steering alignment. Examine tyres for uneven wear (from 2025 failures) and replace if needed. Verify windscreen wipers are functioning properly. Check floor cover installations for proper fitment and potential electrical interference. Look for rust or corrosion around suspension mounts.
The vehicle has a clean 2024 MOT but multiple failures in 2025 and 2026, including critical suspension component damage and tyre/wiper defects. At 96,291 miles (8 years old), its mileage exceeds average for its age, raising concerns about long-term reliability despite the model's general reputation.
No aggregate MOT data available for the Volkswagen Polo, but individual vehicles may still exhibit common reliability issues for this model, particularly with suspension components and rubber parts.
Reviewed by the IsItAGoodCar editorial team — Verified automotive analysis synthesized from official vehicle registries.
Data Sources
DVSA
Official MOT test logs & failure reasons
DVLA
Tax, registration & powertrain specs
Experian
Finance, stolen markers & total loss
AI Analysis
Historical fault & advisory patterns
Vehicle & Plate History
Previous plates for this vehicle
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VOLKSWAGEN POLO Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2018 model year cars.
- Infotainment & Software ErrorsModerate
Software glitches in the MIB touchscreen infotainment system can cause spurious error warnings, display freezes, and unexpected reboots.
- Seatbelt Recall and Handbrake AdjusterSerious
VW recalled early Polo Mk6s for faulty seatbelts that could unlatch themselves (up to October 2018 build) and for a handbrake adjuster that could slip (October 2017–October 2018). A brake servo manufacturing fault also led to a March 2020 recall.
- DQ200 DSG Gearbox IssuesSerious
The 7-speed dry-clutch DSG on the Polo GTI and 1.0/1.5 TSI models can develop mechatronic faults, causing jerky shifts or total gear loss. The DQ250 wet-clutch unit on the GTI is generally more reliable but still requires 40k-mile fluid changes.
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