Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo
2007-09 model Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo: Takata airbag recall
In August 2018, recall campaign 69Q7 was issued for 2007-09 model year Volkswagen A4 Polo vehicles. The driver’s airbag in these vehicles was produced by Takata and had propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of a collision, excessive internal pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture – this would cause metallic fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion and into the cabin. These metallic fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16912.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items identified below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Problems and faults: Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo
- A lack of drainage may result in rainwater accumulating in the bottom of the doors.
- The headlight brackets are susceptible to breaking.
- For Volkswagen Polo models with 1.4- and 1.6-litre engines, the plastic timing belt tensioners were susceptible to failure – timing belt intervals were subsequently reduced to four years because of this problem.
- For Polo models with 1.4-litre petrol engines, the exhaust valves were susceptible to cracking. Furthermore, the bore holes could become elongated (‘ovalised’), leading to excessive oil consumption and engine failure.
- For early Volkswagen Mk.4 Polo models with the 1.4-litre petrol engine, poor performance and fuel economy may be due to a fault with the ECU which requires replacement.
