High-confidence used car comparison
Volkswagen Polo vs Ford Fiesta: reliability and MOT problems
Ford Fiesta has the lower MOT failure rate in this comparison: 21.3% versus 21.6% for the Volkswagen Polo, based on 2,528,348 combined UK MOT tests. A difference of 0.3% is useful as a signal, but the exact car's MOT history and repair evidence still matter most.
Data sources: DVSA MOT records, official recall records, and MOT fault wording snapshots (2026-04-27, 2026-04-29, rfr_codes_2025-05-12, failure items 2023). Search-indexed model pages must clear 20,000 MOT tests and 10,000 vehicles.
| Model | MOT failure rate | Tests | Vehicles | Median tested mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo | 21.6% | 766,786 tests | 583,947 vehicles | 62,714 miles |
| Ford Fiesta | 21.3% | 1,761,562 tests | 1,357,489 vehicles | 64,788 miles |
Ford Fiesta has the lower recorded MOT failure rate in this pair.
Open both model reports and compare repeat advisories, mileage-band failure rates, recalls, tyres, brakes, suspension, warning lights, and corrosion history.
Open the Volkswagen Polo report or open the Ford Fiesta report.