Known APK problem
Volkswagen Polo IV: brake lines
On the Volkswagen Polo IV the APK inspector finds brake lines problems 50% more often than on cars of the same age: at 16+ years 1.6%, against about 1.1% nationally.
Window: Oct 2025 – Sep 2026 · Updated: 16 Oct 2026
What is it?
Rusty or leaking brake lines. An A-problem at the APK because braking is at risk.
How to check it at the viewing
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Ask the seller: Have the brake lines ever been (partly) replaced?
By age
Share of inspected Volkswagen Polo IVs with this defect, compared with all cars of the same age.
| Age | Type | Polo IV | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16+ years | B | 1.6% | 1.1% | 1.5× |
A = structure, safety or costly mechanics; B = fail, usually simple; C = advisory. An age is missing when this defect is not among the most common there.
Comparable cars at 16+ years
| Model | Brake lines | Vs. national |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen Polo IV | 1.6% | 1.5× |
| Hyundai i20 I | 0.8% | 0.6× |
| Suzuki Splash | 1.4% | 1.1× |
| Opel Corsa D | 0.4% | 0.3× |
| Toyota Yaris II | 1.2% | 0.9× |
| Renault Clio III | 0.8% | 0.6× |
Looking at a Volkswagen Polo IV? Check that car
Enter the plate and see the APK history, open recalls and how this car compares with other Volkswagen Polo IVs of the same age.
All weak spots of the Volkswagen Polo IV · Brake lines: which models more often · Checklist for this model
Frequently asked questions
Does the Volkswagen Polo IV often have brake lines problems?
Yes, more often than average at the APK. At 16+ years the inspector found a brake lines defect on 1.6% of inspected Volkswagen Polo IVs, against about 1.1% of all cars of the same age (1.5×). Source: RDW Open Data, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026.
How do you check the brake lines on a used Volkswagen Polo IV?
Use a torch to look along the lines near the wheels and rear axle: no thick rust or wet spots.
Repair indication: small, medium or large. An indication of the usual repair, not a quote: the real cost depends on the car, the cause and the garage.
Source: RDW Open Data (CC0), analysis CarXray.nl. 6,857,004 inspected passenger cars aged 3 years and older, Oct 2025 – Sep 2026. Each car counts once. How we know