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Volkswagen Polo safety recalls

Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the Volkswagen Polo since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.

Recalls for the Volkswagen Polo. Also see car recalls by year and make.

Last updated
Records analysed
24 recalls matched to this model
Methodology
View methodology
  • Recalls since 1992 24 launched 1993 to 2025
  • Most recent 28 August 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/385
  • Recalls 2016 to 2025 14 launched in those ten years
  • Busiest year 2025 3 recalls launched

Does a recall affect your Volkswagen Polo?

Not every Volkswagen Polo is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.

Volkswagen Polo recalls by year

Recalls launched each year, 1993 to 2026

2025 had the most, with 3. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.

Volkswagen Polo safety recalls by year of launch
Year Recalls
’93 1
’94 0
’95 0
’96 1
’97 0
’98 0
’99 0
’00 0
’01 0
’02 1
’03 0
’04 1
’05 2
’06 0
’07 1
’08 0
’09 0
’10 0
’11 0
’12 0
’13 0
’14 1
’15 2
’16 1
’17 1
’18 1
’19 2
’20 1
’21 2
’22 2
’23 1
’24 0
’25 3
’26 0

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated

Every Volkswagen Polo recall, newest first

2025 3 recalls

Check rear axle bolted connection

Launched 28 August 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/385 Manufacturer ref. 42A9

Defect
STOP -DRIVE - Do not drive your vehicle until the repair has been completed; it must be recovered to a workshop. The rear axle bolted connecting may not have been completed to specification. Risk of axle becoming detached and resultant loss of control and possible collision or injury.
Remedy
Check and if necessary re-work rear axle bolted connection
Vehicles affected
2 Polo vehicles
Built
10 Apr 2025

Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement

Launched 22 August 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/357 Manufacturer ref. DS69

Defect
Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Remedy
The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
Vehicles affected
43 Polo vehicles
Built
8 Nov 2006 to 7 May 2009 and 8 Aug 2009 to 11 Oct 2013
DVSA lists it as
“POLO”, “POLO VIVO”

Replace front passenger airbag

Launched 9 June 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/208 Manufacturer ref. 69UN

Defect
The front passenger airbag may be faulty. In the event of an accident-related deployment the front passenger airbag may have a reduced protective effect also the gas generator housing may burst and components of the gas generator housing may come loose and cause serious or deadly injuries to vehicle occupants.
Remedy
The passenger airbag must be replaced.
Vehicles affected
563 Polo vehicles
Built
9 Oct 2023 to 28 Mar 2025

2023 1 recall

Takata Front airbag

Launched 13 June 2023 DVSA recall R/2023/178 Manufacturer ref. 69EJ

Defect
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Remedy
Replace airbag
Vehicles affected
67,860 Polo vehicles
Built
3 Nov 2006 to 7 May 2009 and 3 Aug 2009 to 31 Oct 2013

2022 2 recalls

The driver's airbag may not correctly deploy if activated

Launched 4 October 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/274 Manufacturer ref. 69DG

Defect
The driver's airbag may not correctly deploy if activated.
Remedy
Replace the driver's air bag assembly.
Vehicles affected
21 Polo vehicles
Built
7 Nov 2006 to 13 Dec 2007

The roof spoiler may not have been bonded to the rear lid with the specified process materials

Launched 20 April 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/115 Manufacturer ref. 66N3

Defect
On all affected Polo vehicles there is a possibility that the roof spoiler may not have been bonded to the rear lid with the specified process materials.
Remedy
On all affected vehicles the roof spoiler has to be replaced.
Vehicles affected
356 Polo vehicles
Built
17 Aug 2021 to 15 Sept 2021

2021 2 recalls

The sun roof frame may not have been bonded to the body roof

Launched 27 December 2021 DVSA recall R/2022/011 Manufacturer ref. 60F2

Defect
The sunroof frame may not have been correctly bonded to the body roof.
Remedy
Check and if necessary correctly bond the sunroof frame to the body roof.
Vehicles affected
35 Polo vehicles
Built
17 Feb 2021 to 1 Sept 2021

A faultily installed net for the design breakage point for the discharge of the passenger airbag has been fitted

Launched 19 October 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/400 Manufacturer ref. 70I4

Defect
A dash panel with a faulty installed net for the design breakage point for the discharge of the passenger airbag has been fitted.
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the dash panel has to be replaced.
Vehicles affected
6,889 Polo vehicles
Built
19 Aug 2020 to 11 Jan 2021

2020 1 recall

Oil may get into the brake servo through the vacuum lines of the tandem pump.

Launched 16 March 2020 DVSA recall R/2020/068 Manufacturer ref. 47P7

Defect
Oil may get into the brake servo through the vacuum lines of the tandem pump leading to a loss of braking assistance.
Remedy
Replace the vacuum line from the tandem pump. Check other components for oil and replace if necessary.
Vehicles affected
4,103 Polo vehicles
Built
8 Oct 2019 to 6 Feb 2020

2019 2 recalls

The housing bolts on the camshelf adjuster may come loose

Launched 9 August 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/261 Manufacturer ref. 15H2

Defect
The housing bolts on the camshaft adjuster may come loose and break the pulley
Remedy
On the affected vehicles the camshaft adjuster has to be replaced
Vehicles affected
472 across everything the recall covers
Built
17 Dec 2013 to 4 Dec 2014
Also covers

The adjusted handbrake lever travel for parking the vehicle can increase

Launched 4 February 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/037 Manufacturer ref. 46H9

Defect
Hand brake lever travel increase due to adjuster nut movement.
Remedy
Re-adjust assembly and fit locking device to nut.
Vehicles affected
44,256 Polo vehicles
Built
12 Oct 2017 to 22 Oct 2018

2018 1 recall

The left rear seat belt double buckle may unfasten involuntarily

Launched 26 November 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/142 Manufacturer ref. 69W3

Defect
Left rear seat belt may unfasten involuntarily.
Remedy
On Affected vehicles a spacer will be fitted in the double buckle of the rear seat.
Vehicles affected
45,714 Polo vehicles
Built
1 May 2017 to 12 Oct 2018

2017 1 recall

Towing eye in the vehicle tool kit may detach during use

Launched 21 December 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/347 Manufacturer ref. 50D9

Defect
The welding of the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit may not be to specification. As a result the weld on the eye may fail during use causing loss of propulsion and the towrope with the attached eye can potentially cause property damage and personal injury.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Vehicles affected
110,001 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Oct 2015 to 31 Jul 2017
Also covers

2016 1 recall

Child lock may disengage

Launched 23 June 2016 DVSA recall R/2016/145 Manufacturer ref. 58C9

Defect
The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.
Remedy
On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
Vehicles affected
13,620 across everything the recall covers
Built
25 Nov 2015 to 14 Apr 2016

2015 2 recalls

Backrest may not perform correctly in a collision

Launched 4 August 2015 DVSA recall R/2015/130 Manufacturer ref. 72F3

Defect
The fitting for the backrest frame to the front seats (mounting of backrest to seat frame) may not have been correctly welded. This can cause noises on the front seats and in an accident the backrest/s can break. There is an increased risk of injury.
Remedy
Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the production date of the backrest frames of the front seats. Where the date is within the affected range the backrest/s will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
207 Polo vehicles
Built
21 Apr 2015 to 23 Apr 2015

Unintentional airbag deployment

Launched 15 February 2015 DVSA recall R/2014/176 Manufacturer ref. 69K6

Defect
In rare cases an air bag acceleration sensor may give an incorrect signal which can lead to an unintentional airbag deployment
Remedy
Recall vehicle check if vehicle is affected and replace the control unit as required.
Vehicles affected
526 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Feb 2014 to 1 Aug 2014
Also covers

2014 1 recall

Fuel may leak

Launched 5 December 2014 DVSA recall R/2014/144 Manufacturer ref. 20U7

Defect
On affected vehicles the fuel filter may crack around inlet connection. This will allow fuel to leak which may cause a smell within the vehicle interior and possibly contaminate the road environment. This may affect the handling of the vehicle and of other traffic..
Remedy
Check type of filter fitted. If not of improved type then replace with improved filter.
Vehicles affected
18,314 Polo vehicles
Built
1 Apr 2010 to 1 Apr 2014

2007 1 recall

Seat may catch fire

Launched 30 April 2007 DVSA recall R/2007/050

Defect
It has been identified that due to an incorrectly sewn-in tension wire strap for the back-rest cover of the front seats there may be contact between the tension wire of the seat and the filaments of the seat heater. The resulting short circuit can lead to fire damage on the front seat covers.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the tension wires of the front seats insulated.
Vehicles affected
433 Polo vehicles
Built
1 May 2005 to 28 Feb 2007

2005 2 recalls

Bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break

Launched 3 March 2005 DVSA recall R/2004/211 Manufacturer ref. 20K9

Defect
It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
49,701 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Mar 2004 to 31 Aug 2004

Tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the servo

Launched 11 February 2005 DVSA recall R/2004/201

Defect
Tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the connections due to a manufacturing fault. Should a vacuum pipe leak the brake servo will loose it's function. This will result in an increase of force which must be applied to the brake pedal. But will not result in a total failure of the braking system.
Remedy
Recalled vehicles will have the vacuum pipes checked and if necessary replaced.
Vehicles affected
6,774 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given
Also covers

2004 1 recall

Clutch operation may be affected

Launched 29 June 2004 DVSA recall R/2004/092 Manufacturer ref. 30C1

Defect
A fracture may occur in the area of the clutch pedal attachment because of poor welding which may affect the operation of the clutch.
Remedy
On all affected vehicles an additional foot pedal support (additional welding seam) will be fitted
Vehicles affected
3,497 Polo vehicles
Built
3 May 1999 to 9 May 2001

2002 1 recall

Brake vacuum supply pipe concern

Launched 6 July 2002 DVSA recall R/2002/049 Manufacturer ref. 47H2

Defect
On Polo and Lupo vehicles in the affected chassis number range tension cracks may occur on the vacuum pipe to the brake servo in the area of the connections of the pipes because of a manufacturing fault. If a vacuum pipe leaks the brake servo loses its function. Without the servo assistance a lot more force must be used on the pedal. But this will not lead to a total failure of the brake system.
Remedy
The fitted vacuum pipes will be checked and if necessary replaced.
Vehicles affected
120,978 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 May 1997 to 31 Dec 1999
Also covers

1996 1 recall

Loss of tyre pressure

Launched 18 December 1996 DVSA recall R/1996/108

Defect
The valve hole in the steel road wheel is 0.5mm out of its correct position. This results in a poor valve fit and loss of tyre air pressure.
Remedy
The affected vehicles are being recalled to have the original wheels replaced with quality assured examples.
Vehicles affected
2,670 Polo vehicles
Built
1 Jun 1996 to 30 Jun 1996

1993 1 recall

Brake pipes may chafe on other components

Launched 18 January 1993 DVSA recall R/1992/066

Defect
On the subject vehicles it is possible that the brake pipe holder may not have been correctly positioned on the steering rack. This could allow the brake pipe to chafe on adjoining components and cause pipe damage.
Remedy
Recall the affected vehicles and if necessary modify the position of the pipe holder and pipes to eliminate the possibility of the pipes chafing on other components.
Vehicles affected
42,414 Polo vehicles
Built
1 Jul 1990 to 31 Aug 1992

Data sources and methodology

Datasets used on this page
Figures Source Period Records Updated
Safety recalls Vehicle safety recalls Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Derived statistics UK Motoring 		January 1992 to September 2026 24 recalls matched to this model 15 September 2026
  • Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the Volkswagen Polo. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
  • Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
  • Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
  • Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.
How we calculate these figures All data sources

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.