2015 Volkswagen Polo 1.4L Diesel · ML15 FKR

The Volkswagen Polo’s most recent MOT tests reveal a concerning instability in its roadworthiness, with two consecutive failures and passes within a single week in February 2026. Despite the final pass on 18th February at 75,840 miles, the immediate prior failure on the 17th—with no recorded defects—suggests either a technical oversight, a last-minute adjustment, or a potential undetected issue that narrowly avoided failure. The preceding clean passes in May 2025 and May 2024 indicate a period of stability, but the repeated testing in early 2026 implies either a rushed inspection or a vehicle that has recently developed intermittent faults. Without specific defect details from the failures, the trend cannot be definitively attributed to worsening wear, but the clustering of tests raises questions about reliability. The recorded mileage of 75,840 miles over 11 years aligns closely with average usage for this model, averaging around 6,900 miles annually. There are no obvious gaps in service intervals, though the jump from 62,309 miles in April 2024 to 62,313 miles by the following month suggests minimal driving between tests. This could indicate periods of inactivity, which may accelerate wear on components like suspension bushes, coil springs, and brake calipers due to lack of motion. The lack of advisories or defects in earlier tests means no prior warnings of structural issues, but the recent instability warrants closer scrutiny of systems that might degrade unevenly during low-mileage periods. A buyer should prioritise an independent inspection of the suspension geometry, particularly the rear suspension, given the Polo’s history of bush wear and binding issues. The repeated testing in early 2026 hints at potential brake or steering anomalies, so binding calipers, uneven disc wear, or corroded brake hoses should be checked. Structural integrity is less of a concern here, as no corrosion advisories appear in the record, but a thorough underbody inspection for hidden rust—especially around wheel arches and sills—is advisable. The engine bay and exhaust system should also be examined for leaks or excessive corrosion, as these are common failure points in vehicles of this age. Given the lack of defect details in the failures, a pre-purchase diagnostic scan could reveal hidden electrical or sensor issues that might explain the recent MOT volatility.