Door lock / central locking
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Doors don't lock
Fix: Replace the lock unit
€80–220
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C)
2009–2017 · Volkswagen Polo 5 (6R/6C)
6
engines covered
23
known faults
370,467
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
10
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) was built from 2009 to 2017.
For this generation we cover 6 engines and 23 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Piston damage (1.4 TSI twincharger 140–185 hp): it usually appears at 60,000–160,000 km and costs €2,000–5,000 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 50–100 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (11.2 %), suspension (8.3 %), brakes (6.6 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: brakes, suspension. It fails less often than average on: steering.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 HTP 3-cyl (6v / 12v) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-40 / 5W-30 · VW 502.00 / 504.00 · ~2.8 L · every 10,000 km |
| 1.4 / 1.6 16v MPI (EA111: BCA / BUD / CGGA) | Petrol | Belt · 90,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-40 / 5W-30 · VW 502.00 / 504.00 · ~3.2–3.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.6 16v MPI (EA111: BTS / CFNA) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-40 / 5W-30 · VW 502.00 / 504.00 · ~3.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~3.6–3.9 L · every 10,000 km |
| 1.0 / 1.6 MPI (EA211: CHYA / CWVA) | Petrol | Belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo | 5W-30 / 0W-20 · VW 504.00 / 508.00 · ~3.6–4.0 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.0 / 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.5 TSI (EA211) | Petrol | Belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo | 5W-30 / 0W-20 · VW 504.00 / 508.00 · ~4.0 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Front anti-roll bar links / bushes
usually 60,000–140,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Knocking over bumps
Fix: Replace links / bushes
€60–150
Heater blower resistor
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Fan works only on some speeds
Fix: Replace resistor
€30–90
Faults by engine
1.2 HTP 3-cyl (6v / 12v)
Timing chain stretch / tensioner
usually 60,000–140,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle for a few seconds on start, rough running — the chain can jump
Fix: Replace chain, tensioner and guides
€500–900
Burnt exhaust valves (12v)
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Misfire on one cylinder, low compression
Fix: Cylinder head repair
€600–1,200
Ignition coils
usually 60,000–140,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Misfire, flashing engine light
Fix: Replace coil
€60–180
1.4 / 1.6 16v MPI (EA111: BCA / BUD / CGGA)
Oil consumption (piston rings)
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Needs topping up, blue smoke on start
Fix: Monitor; rings or valve stem seals
€500–1,500
Thermostat / coolant flange leak
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Coolant loss, slow warm-up
Fix: Replace thermostat and flange
€100–250
Throttle body / idle control
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Unstable idle, stalling
Fix: Clean and adapt the throttle body
€60–250
1.6 16v MPI (EA111: BTS / CFNA)
Timing chain / tensioner rattle
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start
Fix: Replace the chain kit
€500–900
Oil consumption
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Topping up between services
Fix: Monitor; rings or valve stem seals
€500–1,500
Thermostat housing leak
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Coolant loss
Fix: Replace housing
€100–250
1.2 / 1.4 TSI / TFSI (EA111)
Timing chain stretch
usually 60,000–120,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle for 1–3 s on cold start; skipped timing risk
Fix: Replace chain, tensioner and guides now
€700–1,500
Oil consumption (piston rings)
usually 100,000–180,000 km · High risk
Signs: Topping up over 1 L per 1,500 km
Fix: Monitor; rings or engine repair
€800–3,000
Turbo wastegate wear
usually 80,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Loss of boost, rattle
Fix: Replace actuator or turbo
€300–1,200
Piston damage (1.4 TSI twincharger 140–185 hp)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · High risk
engine codes: BMY, BLG, BWK, CAVA, CAVB, CAVC
Signs: Misfire, low compression on one cylinder, oil use
Fix: Compression test; piston / engine repair
€2,000–5,000
1.0 / 1.6 MPI (EA211: CHYA / CWVA)
Water pump / thermostat module leak
usually 60,000–140,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant level drops
Fix: Replace pump + thermostat module
€250–500
Oil consumption (1.6 MPI CWVA)
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Wear part
engine codes: CWVA, CWVB
Signs: Topping up between services
Fix: Monitor; check PCV / rings
€100–1,500
1.0 / 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)
Thermostat / water pump housing leak
usually 60,000–140,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant level dropping, sweet smell
Fix: Replace plastic housing assembly
€250–500
Turbo wastegate actuator rattle
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Rattle on light throttle, underboost code
Fix: Adjust or replace actuator
€200–600
1.5 TSI cold-start hesitation
usually 10,000–80,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Jerks when cold (2017–2019 builds)
Fix: Dealer software update
€0–150
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
DSG DQ200 (7-speed, dry clutch)
Mechatronic unit (7-speed dry DCT)
usually 60,000–150,000 km · High risk
Signs: Flashing gear indicator, no drive
Fix: Repair or replace mechatronic
€1,200–2,500
Clutch pack judder
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Judder pulling away
Fix: Replace clutch pack
€800–1,500
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.2 HTP 3-cyl (6v / 12v) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 370,467 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 2.0 % | 6.6 % | 11.5 % | 15.3 % | 16.5 % | 16.7 % |
| Suspension | 4.4 % | 8.3 % | 13.7 % | 18.7 % | 21.0 % | 21.2 % |
| Steering | 0.2 % | 0.5 % | 1.6 % | 4.2 % | 5.9 % | 5.7 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 2.9 % | 5.5 % | 7.8 % | 9.4 % | 10.3 % | 9.6 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 6.2 % | 11.2 % | 18.2 % | 24.2 % | 27.8 % | 27.7 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.5 % | 1.8 % | 4.6 % | 7.9 % | 10.3 % | 11.4 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 1.4 % | 2.1 % | 4.3 % | 7.4 % | 10.5 % | 12.0 % |
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (10). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
- Airbag Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement22/08/2025 · R/2025/357
- Airbag Takata Front airbag13/06/2023 · R/2023/178
- Engine / loss of power The housing bolts on the camshelf adjuster may come loose09/08/2019 · R/2019/261
- Brakes / ABS / ESP The adjusted handbrake lever travel for parking the vehicle can increase04/02/2019 · R/2019/037
- Seat belt The left rear seat belt double buckle may unfasten involuntarily26/11/2018 · R/2018/142
- Engine / loss of power Towing eye in the vehicle tool kit may detach during use21/12/2017 · R/2017/347
- Doors / locks / lids Child lock may disengage23/06/2016 · R/2016/145
- Seats Backrest may not perform correctly in a collision04/08/2015 · R/2015/130
The other recalls (2) are listed in the app.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 07/10/2026