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Common Problems with the VW Polo 5

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Bartek Bartoszewicz

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Bartek Bartoszewicz Tuning Professional

Common Teething Problems and Flaws in the VW Polo V

The VW Polo 5 was produced from 2009 to 2017 as one of the most popular small cars. Its dimensions are nearly on par with those of the Golf III, yet the Polo is significantly more comfortable and safer. It comes in a wide variety of configurations, with 14 engines ranging from 75 to 105 hp—from the TSI to the GTI—and with three different trim levels and transmission options.

The Polo V, internally designated as the 6R, received a facelift in 2014 and was designated the 6C. It is also considered particularly reliable and durable, and many of the previous model’s common issues have already been eliminated. However, even the fifth-generation Polo has its typical teething problems and issues, which we document here.

CONTENT

1. Typical Polo V problem: stretched and snapped timing chains
- 1.1. Here’s how you can tell your Polo V has a timing chain problem:
- 1.2. Solution: New chain and new tensioner
2. Jerky DSG in the Polo V
- 2.1. This is how you recognize DSG problems:
- 2.2. Solution: Maintenance and upgrade
3. The well-known ignition coil problem
- 3.1. Symptoms of bad ignition coils in the Polo V:
- 3.2. Solution: New ignition coils
4. Broken suspension springs
- 4.1. That’s how you can tell a spring is broken:
- 4.2. Solution: Install new springs
5. Other defects and recalls for the Polo V
6. Conclusion

Platzhaltergrafik im Seitenverhältnis 3:2 für eine derzeit nicht verfügbare Produktabbildung

Typical Polo V problem: stretched and snapped timing chains

We already know this issue from other VAG cars, and the Polo V in particular is notorious for it: its biggest weak point is its timing chain. This especially affects the early 1.2 and 1.4 TSI engines. If you suddenly hear rattling from under the hood, it’s really last call and the car needs to go to the shop. If the chain has stretched, it can jump a tooth and throw off the timing. The result can very quickly be a total engine failure. The same goes for a snapped chain. At the beginning of the problem you usually only hear the rattling and clattering right after a cold start. That’s because the chain tensioner needs to get some heat into it before it properly tensions the chain. If you start a warm engine and you already hear rattling again, you should head straight to the workshop.

Here’s how you can tell your Polo V has a timing chain problem:

Rattling/clattering when starting the engine
Check engine light is on
Error message “camshaft sensor implausible” and “crankshaft sensor implausible”

Solution: New chain and new tensioner

If this problem shows up, you definitely need to replace the chain tensioner and/or the guide rail. If you’re lucky, that’s all it takes. It also depends on how long you’ve been driving around with the issue. If the chain is stretched too much or even snapped, it has to be replaced as well.

Jerky DSG in the Polo V

Another jerky dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is also a common problem with the fifth‑gen Polo, especially on the high‑power GTI models. The Polo jerks and stutters when taking off, and the gear changes are anything but smooth. This happens because the clutch starts to slip from a certain torque level: the clutch is worn out or the mechatronics unit is defective. Especially when increasing power, the torque often has to be limited, which is particularly annoying in this case.

This is how you recognize DSG problems:

Shuddering and jerking when taking off
Shifts are not smooth
Limp mode kicks in
Brake pedal vibrates
Reverse gear no longer works

Solution: Maintenance and upgrade

In very few cases it’s enough to just replace the clutch disc when the DSG jerks. Whenever you do a swap, the dual mass flywheel should be replaced as well. It can also make sense to completely change the transmission fluid and flush the transmission once. If the mechatronics unit is defective, it has to be replaced. So it’s really important to know the exact causes of the DSG problem in your Polo V. If you’re aiming for high power, you should also think about an upgrade DSG kit. That way you can really use the full potential and you won’t have any more issues with a slipping clutch.

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The well-known ignition coil problem

The topic of ignition coils is a real long‑running problem at VW, and the fifth Polo generation is affected by it just like its predecessor. The ignition coils are extremely sensitive and fail quickly. Since their job is to turn the low on‑board voltage into the high voltage needed for ignition, a defect causes serious problems when starting the engine. If all coils are affected at once, the engine won’t start at all. It can also happen that the engine simply cuts out while driving, so this defect is a serious safety risk. A sudden drop in power is also a sign of faulty ignition coils.

Symptoms of bad ignition coils in the Polo V:

Misfires
Hard starting / starting problems
Loss of power
Rough idle / rough running engine
Engine just shuts off
Warning light comes on

Solution: New ignition coils

As soon as one ignition coil fails, you should replace all of them right away. Mixing new and old coils quickly leads to new problems. If you plan to tune your ride, you should also grab stronger ignition coils and spark plugs that can handle the extra power. That’s the only way to get the required voltage and a consistent spark. That’s why we’ve got the 1.8T and 2.0L TSI high-performance ignition coil & spark plug kit in our shop. These were designed specifically for the higher power levels in the GTI.

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Broken suspension springs

Among the known issues of the Polo V are also broken or cracked suspension springs. Since they connect the car to the road and help smooth out bumps, they’re important for safety and comfort. A defect doesn’t immediately mean a major engine failure, but it does mean your car can no longer be steered reliably. So there can be situations where you lose control of it, not to mention the loss of comfort.

That’s how you can tell a spring is broken:

The crack or break is clearly visible
Your car is sitting crooked
It rattles on rough or uneven roads

Solution: Install new springs

If a spring is torn or broken, you shouldn’t wait too long to replace it. With a bit of wrenching skills you can do this yourself and don’t necessarily have to go to a shop. We also recommend replacing the springs at least in pairs per axle.

Other defects and recalls for the Polo V

Over the eight years of production there were also a few recalls and minor issues with the fifth-gen Polo:

The Polo V is known for its brakes developing problems fairly quickly.
On the 1.2 TSI engines (2010 – 2012) a defective turbocharger could cause a loss of power.
A recurring VAG issue is increased oil consumption, which also affects the fifth Polo generation.
Over time the exhaust system can start causing problems.
Some cars were recalled because the airbag deployed unintentionally. The cause here was a faulty acceleration sensor.
Rusty weld seams on the underside of the hood are a common issue on the Polo 5.
Questionable-quality seat upholstery fabrics that start to ripple are another annoying topic.
A defective fuel filter housing on the 1.2 TDI also led to a recall. With this defect, diesel leaks out because the cap becomes cracked.
Diesel scandal: In some cases the required software update causes premature wear of the EGR valve. Symptoms are reduced performance, engine jerking, increased fuel consumption and black smoke from the exhaust.
Carbon buildup in the intake system is also a typical problem.

Conclusion

The Polo V has, like every car, its typical faults and weak spots that seem pretty serious at first. Still, a number of the teething problems from earlier versions have already been sorted out, and it’s scored exceptionally well in various tests. You should definitely keep an eye on the most common issues if you want to enjoy your Polo for a long time. For tuning, a few upgrades are essential if you want to tap into the full potential of this little rocket.

Bartek Bartoszewicz

Tuning Professional

His first car was a Polo Mk1 with a 40 Weber twin carburetor and 129 hp (95 kW). His second was an Audi 50. Today Bartek tunes Lamborghinis to 1000 hp (735 kW). Even as a young boy, Bartek disassembled vehicles and put everything back together better. He wrote his high school diploma with oil on his fingers. The trained automotive mechanic with a focus on engines and gearboxes was determined to go into motorsports. In his 10 years in Formal 1, he supervised 73 races, including as engine mechanic for Ralf Schumacher at Toyota. Since 2010, he has dedicated himself fully to his company BAR-TEK® and helps his customers to bring VW and Audi engines to peak performance.

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