Volkswagen Polo Automatic: Pros and Cons? VW Polo VI (AW1, BZ1) (06.2017 - ...)

Engine issues:
Timing chain: Some Polo models, especially those with TSI engines, have experienced issues with the timing chain. This can cause the engine to misfire, suffer from reduced performance and in severe cases cause engine damage if the chain slips or breaks. Turbocharger issues: Turbocharger failures have occasionally been reported in turbocharged Polo models, which can lead to loss of power and increased emissions.
DSG transmission issues: The Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) has become a concern for some Polo owners. Issues include jerky gear changes, delayed gear changes and in some cases complete transmission failure. These issues are often linked to faults in the mechatronic unit in the DSG.
Sensor issues such as the mass air flow sensor and oxygen sensors have been reported. These can cause the check engine light to come on and affect fuel economy and engine performance. Some owners have experienced battery drain issues, which can often be traced back to electrical components such as the infotainment system, alarm system, or even faulty wiring. Power window issues have been common, causing windows to not operate smoothly or to become stuck. There have been cases of premature wear of suspension components such as bushings and shock absorbers, resulting in a harsher ride and poor handling.

Hi there, I've had a 2017 Polo Automatic for about 2 years now and overall it's been a pretty decent car. The biggest pro is the comfortable and smooth ride, thanks to the DSG gearbox. It makes stop-and-go city driving a breeze. The cabin is also well-built and feels premium for the class.

On the downside, I have had a few issues with the DSG transmission. Sometimes the gearchanges can feel a bit jerky, especially at lower speeds. And I did have a problem with the mechatronic unit that needed replacing under warranty. Make sure to check for any recalls or software updates related to the DSG.

I had a 2016 Polo Auto and while I loved the driving dynamics, I did have some trouble with the engine. The timing chain on my TSI model gave me a few headaches. It started misfiring and losing power around 50k miles. Luckily VW covered the repair under warranty, but it's definitely something to be aware of.

I'd also caution about the turbocharger - I had to replace mine due to failure which was an expensive job. So keep an eye out for any turbo-related issues if you go for a turbocharged model.

Thanks so much for the detailed feedback, this is really helpful. The DSG gearbox issues are a bit concerning, as smooth shifting is a key priority for me. And the engine problems you both mentioned are good to know about too.

Are there any other common problems I should watch out for? I've heard things about electrical gremlins as well.

Hi there, I can share a bit about the electrical issues I faced with my 2017 Polo Auto. Shortly after buying the car, I started having trouble with the power windows - they would get stuck and not roll up/down properly. Turned out to be a faulty window regulator.

I also had the check engine light come on a few times due to sensor faults, like the MAF sensor. These were relatively minor and easy fixes, but annoying nonetheless.

The other main issue was with the battery draining faster than expected. Ended up tracing it back to a problem with the infotainment system. The dealer had to replace a module to sort that out.

Overall the Polo has been reliable, but those electrical niggles can be a bit frustrating. I'd really recommend a thorough pre-purchase inspection to catch any of those potential issues.

Ah I see, the electrical problems sound like a real headache. Battery drain and faulty sensors are not what you want, especially on a newer car. The pre-purchase inspection is a great suggestion, I'll make sure to get that done.

Is there anything you particularly liked about the Polo, or would you say the cons outweighed the pros for you?

Hmm, well the positives for me were definitely the overall build quality, comfortable ride, and peppy performance from the 1.0 TSI engine. It's a very nicely put together little car. And the DSG gearbox was great for city driving, when it was working properly.

But those electrical glitches did become quite frustrating over time. And the repair costs started to add up, even with it still being under warranty. I eventually traded it in a bit earlier than I'd planned.

So I'd say it's a great little car, but you do have to watch out for those common problems. Make sure to do your research and get a good inspection before buying. And have a decent warranty or breakdown cover just in case.

That's really helpful, thanks so much for sharing your experiences. Sounds like there are some definite pros to the Polo Auto, but the potential electrical and mechanical issues are something to be aware of. I'll weigh everything up carefully and make sure to get a full inspection before purchasing. Appreciate you taking the time to provide such detailed feedback!