Infotainment / sensor glitches (software)
usually 0–150,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Reboots, camera or sensor faults
Fix: Software update at the dealer
€0–200
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Volkswagen Polo VI (AW)
2017–now · Volkswagen Polo 6 (AW)
4
engines covered
17
known faults
183,695
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
9
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Volkswagen Polo VI (AW) has been built since 2017.
For this generation we cover 4 engines and 17 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Mechatronic unit (7-speed dry DCT): it usually appears at 60,000–150,000 km and costs €1,200–2,500 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 0–50 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (5.9 %), steering (2.8 %), tyres and wheels (2.8 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: steering. It fails less often than average on: brakes, tyres and wheels.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| 1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288) | Diesel | Belt · 210,000 km / every 120 mo | 0W-30 / 5W-30 · VW 507.00 · ~4.3–4.6 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · VW 504.00 / 502.00 · ~4.6–5.7 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Front strut top mounts
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Creak or knock when steering
Fix: Replace top mounts
€100–250
Faults by engine
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
1.4 / 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA288)
EGR cooler leak or clogging
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant loss without visible leak, EGR codes
Fix: Replace EGR cooler
€600–1,200
DPF clogging
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: DPF light, regeneration every few days
Fix: Longer motorway drives, cleaning or replacement
€150–1,500
Water pump leak
usually 140,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Coolant smell, pink crust near the pump
Fix: Replace, ideally with the timing belt
€250–450
1.8 / 2.0 TSI / TFSI (EA888)
Water pump / thermostat housing leak
usually 70,000–140,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant loss, overheating warning
Fix: Replace the pump + thermostat module
€400–800
PCV valve failure
usually 60,000–120,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Whistle at idle, lean codes, oil leaks
Fix: Replace PCV / oil separator
€100–250
Carbon build-up on intake valves
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, misfires (direct injection)
Fix: Walnut blasting
€300–600
Timing chain tensioner (pre-2013)
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on start; early engines only
Fix: Upgraded tensioner and chain
€1,000–2,000
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 1.0 / 1.6 MPI (EA211: CHYA / CWVA) 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 15,000 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 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 210,000 km or every 120 months | €450–900 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| 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: 183,695 tests.
| thousand km | 0–50 | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 1.0 % | 4.0 % | 7.2 % | 9.6 % |
| Suspension | 0.7 % | 2.9 % | 7.7 % | 10.9 % |
| Steering | 2.8 % | 5.7 % | 5.3 % | 3.7 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 2.8 % | 5.4 % | 7.9 % | 9.9 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 5.9 % | 8.0 % | 11.1 % | 14.0 % |
| Body and corrosion | 0.2 % | 0.5 % | 1.1 % | 2.0 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 0.4 % | 0.7 % | 1.3 % | 2.3 % |
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (9). 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.
- Suspension / axles Check rear axle bolted connection28/08/2025 · R/2025/385
- Airbag Replace front passenger airbag09/06/2025 · R/2025/208
- Doors / locks / lids The roof spoiler may not have been bonded to the rear lid with the specified process materials20/04/2022 · R/2022/115
- Doors / locks / lids The sun roof frame may not have been bonded to the body roof27/12/2021 · R/2022/011
- Airbag A faultily installed net for the design breakage point for the discharge of the passenger airbag has been fitted19/10/2021 · R/2021/400
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Oil may get into the brake servo through the vacuum lines of the tandem pump.16/03/2020 · R/2020/068
- 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
The other recalls (1) are listed in the app.
Other generations
Volkswagen Polo III (6N) 1994–2001Volkswagen Polo IV (9N) 2001–2009Volkswagen Polo V (6R/6C) 2009–2017
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