The Volkswagen Polo has long been a staple in the supermini segment, known for its build quality and practicality. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of issues. This guide delves into the common problems, reliability ratings, and recall information for the Polo.

The Volkswagen Polo generally holds a good reputation for reliability. According to What Car?'s 2024 Reliability Survey, the Polo achieved a 98.3% reliability rating, placing it among the top performers in its class. Only 7% of owners reported faults, with the most common issues related to minor bodywork problems.

Warrantywise's Reliability Index gives the Polo a score of 69 out of 100, ranking it as the second-highest among the UK's ten most popular used cars.

The Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) used in some Polo models has been reported to have issues when not serviced at the correct intervals. Problems include failed solenoids, electric motor failure, mechatronic leaks, and pump failure. 

Symptoms to watch for are shaking, juddering, grinding, loss of reverse gear, and sudden loss of power. So make sure to check any prospective car’s service history before buying.

On diesel models, a DPF is fitted to reduce harmful emissions. During use, the filter becomes filled with soot, and is burnt off on a long drive. If the car has been predominantly used for short journeys, it can cause the DPF to become severely clogged, causing major performance issues.

Whilst this problem is not unique to any particular model, and plagues many older diesel cars, the Polo, and other supermini sized cars, often get used for short “around-town” type trips. 

Some Polo owners have reported issues with door locks, often caused by a faulty actuator. Symptoms include locks working only in one direction or not responding to the key fob.

This issue will be more common on older vehicles, where the actuators become worn or seized; thankfully a new part is relatively cheap, and easy to fit. 

Recalls are issued for known issues from a manufacturing or design fault that could cause a safety issue. Recall work is covered by the manufacturer and will not cost anything to resolve. To check to see if your car has an outstanding recall, use the 

Certain cars, made from August 2020 to January 2021, had been fitted with an incorrect fastener that restrains the passenger airbag. The error would cause issues with the deployment of the airbag in a crash. 

The issue affected nearly 7,000 cars, so it’s definitely worth checking to see if your car was one, and if the issue has been repaired at the dealer.

On cars made between February and September 2014, a welded joint that holds the seat backrest in place may not be sufficiently strong, and allow the rear of the seat to detach in an accident. 

Thankfully, the number of vehicles was not large, and the issue was to be resolved by a replacement part being fitted at the dealership. Be sure to check whether your car is affected, but it’s unlikely it was, and has not been fixed by now.

Despite some reported issues, the Volkswagen Polo remains a strong contender in the supermini segment. Its high reliability ratings, comfortable interior, and brand reputation contribute to its appeal. 

However, potential buyers should be aware of the discussed problems and ensure that any used vehicle has received all necessary updates and recalls, and as always, check for service history.

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 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

Volkswagen Polo Problems / Reliability Guide

The MG HS, a compact SUV from the revitalised British marque now under Chinese ownership, has gained attention for its affordability and generous equipment levels.

However, questions about its long-term reliability remain. This guide dives into common MG HS problems, ranging from recalls to frequently reported issues from owners, to give you the full picture.

The MG HS has received mixed reviews in terms of reliability. According to What Car?'s reliability survey, the HS scored 86.9%, which, although sounds good, is below the class average for medium SUVs.

While this isn’t disastrous, it does indicate that some owners have experienced reliability problems. It's worth noting that MG came dead last as a manufacturer in WhatCar?'s testing.

MG does offer a 7-year warranty, which is a big plus, but it’s still important to understand what issues could arise, especially if you’re looking at buying second-hand.

In May 2023, over 5,100 MG HS Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and HS +EV models were recalled due to a fire risk caused by a misplaced carpet underlay affecting the electrical ground stud. The connection in question is related to the PTC unit, which is essentially a heater in an EV. 

Unsurprisingly, MG were keen to get this issue remedied on the 3,000 or so vehicles affected; the same recall was issued in Australia too, affecting even more cars. 

Be sure to check any car you own or buy for recalls by using the 

, and it's also a good idea to check with a main dealer to see if your car has been fixed too.

Owners have experienced infotainment glitches, including the touch screen display freezing or becoming frustratingly slow to respond. While not all are subject to official recalls, these issues can be frustrating and impact day-to-day usability.

Whilst many of these errors were fixed by restarting the system, which required turning the car on and off, this isn’t something you can safely do regularly!

Whilst most HS models sold were hybrid models, a large number of petrol-engined versions were made too. Many owners of these automatic MG HS models have reported jerky gear changes from the dual-clutch transmission (DCT).

This is most noticeable at low speeds, such as when pulling away from a stop. Some owners reported that switching the car to sport mode eases the issue temporarily, but a software update from MG is evidently needed to resolve the issue fully.

From the type and number of build quality complaints found online, it's unsurprising that owners have had issues with interior creaks, rattles and general poor fitment.

Several owners have noted such issues developing in the cabin within the first 12–18 months of ownership. Whilst this is a small issue in the grand scheme of things, owners are rightly miffed.

There are scattered reports of the MG HS experiencing issues with the 12V battery draining, especially when left unused for a few days. There are rumours that this issue is linked to the infotainment system issues mentioned above, but there’s no confirmation of this. 

In most cases, it seems a new battery solves the issue, but in some cases, a new alternator is required. 

The MG HS is undeniably attractive for its price point and high spec. But if reliability is high on your priority list, it’s worth considering these commonly reported issues and comparing them against competitors.

The 7-year manufacturer warranty should give some peace of mind, but double-check if this can be transferred when buying second-hand, and what parts it covers, repair-wise.

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MG HS Problems / Reliability Guide

Ist der MG HS zuverlässig?

The Volvo XC40 has garnered attention for its stylish design, safety features, and premium feel. However, potential buyers and current owners often inquire about its reliability. This guide delves into the XC40's reliability, highlighting common problems, recall information, and owner experiences.

The Volvo XC40 holds a good reputation for reliability, though some issues have been reported. In the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, the plug-in hybrid versions of the XC40 ranked 7th out of 48 cars in the family SUV class, while petrol variants came in 24th. Volvo as a whole placed 13th out of 34.

Very few owners experienced significant mechanical issues, minor electrical faults were more common, especially with the infotainment and driver aid systems.

Between 2018 and 2024 there were a total of 13 recalls issued for the XC40 in the UK. Most of these only affected a small number of cars, but you should make sure your car, or any prospective purchase, has these recalls fixed.

To check any car for recalls, use the government website 

 Recalls should be fixed by a main dealer, at no cost to the owner.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Software Update/Recall

The AEB system engages the brakes if one of its many sensors detect an imminent collision with another car, pedestrian or object.

However, some XC40 models built after January 21, 2019, experienced issues with the AEB system not activating as intended. A simple software update resolves this problem, which is done at the dealer.

The VCM is an automated system that alerts emergency services of your location in the event of an accident. The issue affected over 7,000 cars.

On some XC40s manufactured between January 1 and October 30, 2018, a software issue affecting the VCM could prevent location information from being sent to emergency services.

A software issue affecting a large number of cars - 18,755 to be exact - can cause the left rear indicator to not work properly. A short-term remedy is to cancel and reapply the indicator, but this can be difficult to do whilst navigating a busy roundabout!

Thankfully t,he fix is pretty simple, a software update that should completely resolve the issue.

Some users have experienced freezing or unresponsive infotainment screens. This can be particularly frustrating as many of the car's vital controls are accessed through this screen. 

A short-term solution is to restart the system by holding down the power button. However, quite a few owners have stated that this fix becomes less and less effective, needing to restart multiple times to get back functionality. 

It seems a dealer-applied software update can help the problem, as is the way with many modern car issues. 

Despite some reported issues, the Volvo XC40 remains a strong contender in the premium compact SUV segment. Its high safety ratings, comfortable interior, and brand reputation contribute to its appeal. 

However, potential buyers should be aware of the reported problems and ensure that any used vehicle has received all necessary updates and recalls.

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Volvo XC40 Problems / Reliability Guide

The Hyundai Tucson has been one of the UK’s most popular crossovers for years, offering value, comfort and a generous spec list as standard. From the older diesel models to the latest hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions, it’s a strong all-rounder in its class.

But how does it fare when it comes to reliability? In this guide, we explore common Tucson issues reported by owners, along with key recalls and known faults that you should be aware of before buying.

Generally, yes – the Hyundai Tucson is considered one of the more reliable options in the compact SUV segment. Hyundai’s five-year unlimited mileage warranty provides peace of mind, and reliability surveys such as those from What Car? have placed the Tucson near the top of their rankings over recent years.

However, like all cars, it’s not entirely fault-free. Owners of both diesel and hybrid models have reported recurring issues with electronics, the DCT gearbox, and occasional engine sensor faults.

DCT Gearbox Jerking / Hesitation (Hybrid & PHEV Models)

Some owners of hybrid and plug-in hybrid Tucsons have reported hesitation or jerky gear changes when pulling away or during low-speed manoeuvres. This is most often linked to the dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which can struggle at lower speeds or when crawling in traffic.

In some cases, the cause of the issue is down to a flywheel fault that needs attention and can be costly if out of warranty, however, most issues are eased with a clutch recalibration at the dealership.

Common in older 1.6 and 2.0 CRDi diesel Tucsons, a failed NOx sensor can trigger the engine management light and put the car into limp mode. This is a known issue and is easily fixed, but a replacement sensor typically costs several hundred pounds, including labour to fit.

Hyundai has acknowledged this fault in certain batches and has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for affected vehicles, although it hasn't been classed as a full recall in the UK.

To check what recalls your car has received, regardless of the model, use the 

Electrical Gremlins and Infotainment Freezes

Some owners, particularly of the latest generation models with the 10.25-inch touchscreen and digital cluster, have reported infotainment system glitches. These include unresponsive touchscreens, slow navigation systems, and the display freezing entirely.

With many controls, including the sat nav and some climate controls, accessed through the screen, this can be more than just annoying. Thankfully, most of these bugs can be resolved with a software update from the dealer. 

Hyundai has pushed several updates to address compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, though it remains a point of frustration for some users.

Interior rattles are another relatively minor but common complaint. Some owners report squeaks or rattles from the rear seats or boot area, especially on rough roads. While this doesn’t affect performance or safety, it can be irritating over time.

Hyundai dealerships have been known to add extra foam padding or adjust boot latches to reduce noise, particularly under warranty. Thankfully, the Hyundai standard warranty is one of the best around.

Despite a few known niggles, the Tucson remains one of the best family SUV choices on the market. Its generous warranty, practical layout, and high standard equipment levels make it a solid buy, new or used.

The hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions offer strong fuel efficiency, and if you prefer a petrol or diesel engine, the earlier models are known for their reliability when well-maintained. Just keep in mind the potential DCT quirks and occasional electrical issues – and make sure the service history is up to date.

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Hyundai Tucson Problems / Reliability Guide

The Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion has long been a go-to for UK drivers looking for an efficient and practical hatchback. With its impressive fuel economy and affordable running costs, the Bluemotion variant of the Golf has been popular among commuters, fleet buyers and private motorists.

However, while the Golf Bluemotion delivers strong on efficiency, is it free from faults? In this guide, we take a closer look at the known issues and real-world problems experienced by owners across the UK.

Overall, the Golf Bluemotion fares reasonably well for reliability. Certain model years, especially earlier Mk6 and Mk7 Bluemotion versions, have shown patterns of specific faults. These include EGR valve issues, DPF (diesel particulate filter) problems, and concerns with the DSG gearbox.

What Car?’s reliability survey gave the 2013 - 2020 Golf a 90% reliability score, but they aren’t completely free from problems. However, many of the more serious issues can be mitigated with preventative maintenance and regular driving, something particularly important for diesel variants.

One of the most frequently reported problems in Golf Bluemotion models, especially diesel variants, is the failure of the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. Symptoms include a loss of power, 

The EGR valve can become clogged with carbon deposits, particularly in cars used for lots of short journeys. The cost of replacing the valve can be anywhere from £300–£600, depending on labour costs and model year.

Some owners have also reported carbon build-up in the intake manifold, leading to reduced performance and fuel economy.

All Bluemotion diesel engines are fitted with a DPF, or 

 However, these filters require regular high-temperature runs to self-clean through a process called regeneration. When used mainly for short trips or urban driving, the DPF cannot reach the required temperature to regen, leading to issues.

This issue is common among many modern diesel cars, not just Volkswagens, but is a known weak spot in Bluemotion models when not driven appropriately.

Many Bluemotion Golfs were sold with a DSG automatic gearbox. These offer great efficiency and performance, but need to be maintained to avoid costly faults. A bad DSG gearbox will cause: 

These issues can stem from mechatronic unit faults or clutch pack wear, particularly in earlier Mk6 models. Repairs can be costly, upwards of £1,200, so it’s vital to check the car's service history for those all-important gearbox service receipts.

It’s worth noting that VW extended some warranties on DSG boxes due to widespread issues in earlier production years.

Many Bluemotion models come with automatic start/stop systems to improve fuel efficiency. However, several owners have reported that the system:

While often just an annoyance, issues with the start/stop system can sometimes relate to low battery charge or faulty sensors. 

This may just be a symptom of the car's age, with most batteries only lasting around 5 years, but it’s worth checking that the start-stop function works effectively on any prospective car.

Despite these known faults, the Golf Bluemotion remains a very popular and sensible choice for many UK drivers, particularly for those doing regular long-distance driving where the diesel engines perform best.

That said, buyers should avoid high-mileage examples without full service history, and look for cars that have not had DPF issues, and have the DSG gearbox serviced. 

For those doing mostly short trips or city driving, a petrol or hybrid alternative may be more reliable and cost-effective in the long run.

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VW Golf Bluemotion Problems / Reliability Guide

Touted as the affordable Tesla by many upon its launch in 2017, the Model 3 gained serious popularity, making it the top selling EV in the world from 2018 to 2020. But does popularity necessarily mean reliability? 

This guide explains some of the common faults you should consider when buying a Tesla Model 3.

Whilst there have been some quality control concerns and safety recalls, the Model 3 is a pretty reliable car. It scored just under 94% in What Car?’s reliability survey, around the middle of the pack among other well known brands such as Polestar and Kia.

Tesla as a whole placed 10 out of 32 manufacturers in a similar survey which puts them in the top 30% of car brands in the UK, not too bad.

Across both the UK and US, the Model 3 has been affected by over 30 recalls, ranging from minor electrical faults that are fixed with a software update, to safety issues pertaining to brakes and suspension, here are some of the key ones to make sure have been addressed.

Addressed in two separate recalls, Tesla dealerships had to take back around 650 cars to ensure certain fasteners were tightened correctly. Naturally, this could have caused significant issues had it gone unaddressed. 

It’s unlikely you’ll come across a car that has not been back for the simple remedial work, but make sure to check for any un-repaired recall issues 

This recall and others like it were talked about a lot at the time, in 2019, but the reality is that very few cars were affected by this issue. The bolt held the steering column to the body of the car, something that could cause an issue during normal driving but especially in the event of an accident. 

If you do end up with a Model 3 that was affected, it’s probably worth buying a lottery ticket too, as only 5 out of the nearly 35,000 cars sold that year were missing the bolt.

Software Issue Affecting the Sound Sub-system

This is, in essence, the same issue that affected the Model Y too; an update rendered the e-call emergency alert warning system faulty. This is an issue that would only present during a crash, and affected quite a few cars, so it’s worth checking yours.

Around 9,500 cars were affected by the glitch; thankfully, reversing the update fixed the problem, with no need to visit the dealership.

Another fault that is all too common in Tesla circles is the poor bodywork and paint finish. It's suspected that the high demand for Teslas caused quality control issues to crop up. One of the things often mentioned online is debris or contaminants inside the paint finish. 

Not only is this an eyesore once you notice it, but it could lead to improper protection of the panels. If you’re buying a used Tesla, there’s likely no recourse for this issue, so make sure you check over any prospective purchases thoroughly. 

Electric cars use two electrical systems: a high-voltage system that powers the motors to drive the car along, and a low-voltage system similar to that of a normal car. Some owners experienced issues with the low-voltage system not working properly.

Whilst the issues were generally fixed promptly by Tesla, usually within one day, they did cause significant problems, and often resulted in the car being unable to drive until the low-voltage battery was charged or replaced. 

The Model 3 represents a shift in electric vehicles, from drab and boring but expensive cars, to a more exciting and cost-effective package. Both second-hand prices and finance fees are very low at the moment, so it could be a good time to buy. 

Purely on technical merit, I’d say the Model 3 is worth looking into, and the few niggly issues shouldn’t put you off entirely.

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Tesla Model 3 Problems / Reliability Guide

Tesla changed the way we think about electric cars with the launch of the Model S in 2014, the Model Y represented a further leap forward, with its higher driving position and unique gullwing doors. 

Whilst the Model Y offers great power, range and tech, can it be equally as reliable? In this guide, we take a look at any common faults, and potential issues owners face. 

Yes, the Model Y is generally quite reliable. Some sources have cited mixed reviews from owners, with one stating nearly 40% of drivers discovered an issue in the first year of ownership. Despite this, the Model Y placed first in What Car?’s reliability survey.

By all accounts, the 2023 onwards cars are better built and cause fewer issues than the previous models.

On some cars built between May 2022 and September 2023, a software update was required to address an issue with the steering system. In cold weather the steering could begin to feel notchy and not smooth.

Interestingly, this fault was fixed through a software update that didn’t require owners to take their car into the dealership. Despite the initial fault meaning the cars affected may not comply with ECE safety regulations, Tesla brand the recall update as for “smoother steering”.

A recall affecting nearly 9,500 cars’ audio system caused issues with the car’s external speakers, but was again resolved through a simple software update. The issue came about due to a quirky feature that allowed owners to play audio through the cars pedestrian-warning system speakers. 

These PWS speakers are a mandated feature that helps alert pedestrians of an otherwise silent vehicle, the “Boombox” feature meant this could become non-compliant with the relevant laws surrounding the PWS feature.

Something that has been commonly reported with many Teslas, is their poor fitment and quality control on the body panels. With owners sharing images of uneven and large panel gaps online.

What's more, some owners of cars only 2-3 years old are seeing the paint issues across multiple panels, with debris inclusions and other paint quality issues. This is a known issue with the company's processes, but seems to have improved over time.

Even in 2025, Tesla offers the best charger network by far, which, coupled with the virtually unparalleled performance of the dual motor Model Y for the money, I’d say the Model Y is still a good buy. 

However, this only really applies if you are looking for the SUV bodystyle, because there are some incredible cars in other segments, such as offerings from Volvo, Polestar and BMW to name a few.

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Tesla Model Y Problems / Reliability Guide

The Ford Puma is a relaunch of an old model, but instead of a sporty 2-door coupe, the new one is a crossover-style SUV, to cater to a modern market. The Puma borrows many of its underpinnings from the outgoing Fiesta, but is it as reliable as the Fiestas of old?

In this guide, we take a look at any common problems with the Puma, and its overall reliability. We’ll cover:

Overall, the Puma scores quite well on reliability charts, with a score of 90% on WhatCar?’s survey; that said, it placed near the bottom in their small–SUV ratings, placing 17 out of 22.

Thankfully, most issues were resolved pretty quickly, but reports ranged across most aspects of the car, from engine issues to electrical and build quality. 

A manufacturer recall is when a defect with the design or manufacturing of the car is detected, forcing them to offer a free remedial service via main dealer garages. The Ford Puma has had a number of recalls since its introduction in 2019.

To check if your car has been recalled, enter your VIN number on the 

Part of the assembly that holds the driver's airbag to the steering wheel was found to be faulty. The remedy is pretty simple but vital: a new spring is fitted to the assembly at a Ford dealership.

Around 24,000 vehicles were affected by this issue, so be sure to check if your car is one of them.

eCall is Ford's automatic emergency services telephone system, which sends your location to the emergency services in the event of a serious accident. A software update at the main dealer is all that's needed to resolve this issue. Thankfully, only around 100 cars were affected.

An oil separator is part of the engine's PCV system, something that helps to reduce harmful emissions from the engine by recirculating them through the engine. An issue was detected across many Ford vehicles, including the Puma, Fiesta and more. 

The issue came about from a damaged batch of Oil Separators that were fitted to around 9,800 Pumas. The fix involves checking for damage and replacing if necessary.

On some Hybrid Pumas, it was noticed that the battery terminals on the hybrid battery system were not tightened to the correct torque level, potentially giving rise to them loosening over time. 

This one was a very easy fix for the Ford mechanics, and only affected around 430 cars, so whilst it isn’t a huge concern, you should still be sure to check if your car has had the recall work done.

Almost every Puma available in the UK is fitted with an EcoBoost petrol engine, which is most likely due to its high fuel economy and respectable power figures. However, the Ford EcoBoosts used to be somewhat infamous for their reliability issues.

The main problem in the UK with EcoBoost engines is caused by the wet cambelt design, however, the Puma uses the redesigned EcoBoost engine with a timing chain instead. Although the oil pump is still driven by a wet belt. 

You can read more about the issues with the wet belt here. In short, the belt can cause issues with the oil supply to the engine, so make sure you select a car that has a full service history.

Some owners have reported overheating issues with their Puma, something that can lead to serious engine damage if left untreated. Most owners find the issue presents at higher RPMs. Symptoms include a high temperature on the gauge and a lack of hot air from the car's heater. 

The cause of the fault lies with an electric valve between the coolant hoses and the heater matrix. This causes a restriction in the flow of coolant around the engine.

The Puma offers a good compromise between style, compactness for city driving and an elevated SUV driving position. If these features are important, and you can secure a car with a great service history, the Puma is definitely worth considering.

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer