Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Polo tdi: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Volkswagen Golf
75%
MOT pass rate · 1,830,545 vehicles
Volkswagen Polo tdi
67%
MOT pass rate · 10 vehicles
Verdict: On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Polo tdi (67%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Head to head
| Measure | Volkswagen Golf | Volkswagen Polo tdi |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 75% ✓ | 67% |
| MOT failure rate | 25% ✓ | 33% |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.0 ✓ | 2.1 |
| Dangerous-fault share | 2% | 2% |
| Average mileage | 117,668 mi | 139,657 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 1,830,545 | 10 |
Most common faults
Volkswagen Golf
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge (5.2.3 (e))
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
Volkswagen Polo tdi
- Engine covers fitted obscuring some components in the engine bay
- Under-trays fitted obscuring some underside components
- Offside rear brake grabbing slightly (3.7.A.5b)
- handbrake req adjusting
- Nearside Front Direction indicator slightly discoloured (1.4.A.2f)
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate the Volkswagen Golf (75%) and Volkswagen Polo tdi (67%) are very close — weigh the individual measures below, and remember condition depends on age, mileage and upkeep.
Full Volkswagen Golf report Full Volkswagen Polo tdi report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.