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Volkswagen Polo 1.2 55hp Trendline common faults.

2005–2009, hatchback, petrol, 55 HP.

The fault list covers: AWY, BMD engine, MQ200 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

5 fault write-ups. 3 important. 12 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

3 important faults

critical1

The valvetrain of the three cylinder 1.2 runs on a chain instead of a belt. Both the chain and the tensioner are undersized for this engine. The chain starts stretching as early as 60,000 to 80,000 km, and the tensioner loses its pressure. The sign is a rattling noise audible for a few seconds on a cold start. The earliest BME has the weakest tensioner, and the BZG is structurally the same. If the chain jumps, the engine is badly damaged inside, and the repair is typically an engine rebuild. A low oil level speeds the wear up enormously: the tensioner is driven by oil pressure. That is why the oil level has to be checked every 1,000 km on this engine.

What to check

  • Start it cold: the rattling noise is audible in the first seconds and no longer when warm
  • Pull the dipstick: a low level is a risk on its own on this engine
  • Ask whether the chain and the tensioner were replaced, and ask for the invoice
2 more steps in the write-up

expensive2

The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models. Both have the same two weak points, and both depend on use.

Show the rest

The first is the differential bearing: as it wears you first get a droning, then a whine from the thrust bearings of the output shaft. Left alone, the planetary shaft can fail and in extreme cases punch through the gearbox casing: from then on it is not a repair but a replacement.

The second is the synchros: they can start crunching at around 50,000 km with aggressive driving. This type does not like dumping the clutch or slipping it, and on a used car that is exactly what you have to listen for.

above 50,000 km

What to check

  • On the test drive with the window down, listen to the gearbox both off and on the throttle: droning or whining is suspect
  • Shift up and down quickly, especially into 2nd and 3rd: crunching means synchro wear
  • Try engaging 1st and reverse when cold: resistance here means wear
2 more steps in the write-up

The electric assistance drops out: the steering suddenly goes heavy, typically while driving or when manoeuvring, and the power steering warning appears on the dash. Sometimes it is only intermittent, more often when cold. The fault is in the unit built into the steering column; the replacement is expensive relative to the value of a Polo. A refurbished unit can be fitted, but it needs coding.

What to check

  • Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine off and then running: the assistance has to be even throughout
  • Watch the dash on startup: the power steering light must go out
  • Try it immediately after a cold start, when the fault is more common
2 more steps in the write-up

comfort2

The front control arms of the pre 2008 Polo IV wear out quickly: knocking on uneven roads, uneven tyre wear, vague steering. The 9N3 built from 2008 already got the successor front suspension design, where the phenomenon is rarer. Per side it is a moderate parts and labour job, but it rarely stops at one side.

What to check

  • Check the build year on the B-pillar sticker: the pre 2008 cars are the affected ones
  • On an uneven road with the window open, listen for knocking from the front
  • Look at the inner and outer edges of the tyres: uneven wear indicates a suspension fault
1 more steps in the write-up

The wheel cylinder and the shoe mechanism of the rear drum brake rust up, and the brake drags or seizes completely. The symptoms are a rear wheel heating up, pulling, weakening braking, and insufficient brake force on one side at the roadworthiness test. On a car that is used little and stands a lot it rusts sooner.

What to check

  • After a short test drive, carefully feel the rear wheels: one side being hotter is suspect
  • Apply and release the handbrake several times: it must move without binding
  • Push the car by hand on the level: noticeable resistance indicates a seized brake
1 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Volkswagen Polo 1.2 55hp Trendline

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall12 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 31 August 2022

A12/01438/22Safety recallInjuries31 August 2022 · EU Safety Gate

The propellant may deteriorate over time due to heat cycles and exposure to moisture. If the airbag is deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the requirements laid down in the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 31/08/2022

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00221/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00222/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00923/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The driver airbag's gas generator may be faulty, resulting in uncontrolled inflation and the release of metal fragments. This increases the risk of injuries to the occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01380/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The airbag propellant may be faulty. In the event of an accident this can lead to the release of fragments from the inflator housing, increasing the risk of injury to the occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01485/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time. In the event of an accident this can lead to the release of fragments of the front airbag from the generator housing, increasing the risk of injury. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01809/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the front airbag is deployed, this could result in fragments from the inflator housing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01892/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The vehicles affected may have been fitted with Takata gas generators which could allow the ingress of moisture and thus result in the degradation of the propellant. If the airbag deploys, this could cause the gas generator to burst, causing metal parts to enter the vehicle's interior, causing injuries to the occupants of the vehicle.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/02703/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/03004/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the front passenger airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

INFO/00087/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant used in the airbag inflator may experience a material alteration over time due to degradation occurring after prolonged exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures and high-temperature cycling. In the event of an airbag being deployed, the excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to rupture and metal fragments may pass through the cushion material causing injury to the occupants.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

SR/00793/25Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 1 transmissions

AWY · 1.2

40 kW (54 HP) · petrol

MQ200 · 5- or 6-speed manual

manual · 5–6 speed

Torque limit200 Nm
MakerVolkswagen

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one engine code is possible. The fault list shows the faults of each.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
Trendline
Body
hatchback
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1198 cc
Power
40 kW (54 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2005–2009

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years
  • Engine oil and oil filter

    • LongLife30,000 km or 2 years(valid only with LongLife-approved oil)
    • 15,000 km or 1 year
  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)
  • Coolant (antifreeze) change

    • first: 193,000 km or 10 years, then 97,000 km or 5 years(G13 / G12++: first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years)
  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms