Vehicle summary
ULEZ status is estimated based on fuel type and registration year. It may not reflect the actual emission standard of this vehicle. Check with TfL for a definitive answer.
At a glance
This 2003 Volkswagen Polo Diesel 1422cc has had 20 MOT tests on record, passing 16 and failing 4 (80% pass rate). It has 141,548 miles on the clock, averaging 5,718 miles per year, below the UK average of 7,400. The 1.4 TDI engine is known for 1. oil pump chain & balance shaft chain wear / failure and 2. injector unit (pd pump–dooer) wear & electrical failure. Common Volkswagen Polo issues include engine-specific faults and brake pad and disc wear:.
MOT & Mileage History for YS53 RFL
Data from DVSA. Last updated August 2026. Check gov.uk for the latest.
MOT failures recorded
Average miles/year
Gap in MOT history
Mileage Analysis
Below average| Latest reading | 141,548 miles |
| Reading date | |
| Miles last year | 2,119 |
| Average per year | 5,718 |
| Mileage consistency | Variable |
Check YS53 RFL
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Full MOT Test History 20 tests on record
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Reported issues for this Volkswagen Polo
These are the most commonly reported problems on Volkswagen Polo models (2002–2009), based on owner reports and workshop data across the UK.
Engine-specific faults
Brake pad and disc wear:
Tyre wear and replacement:
Spark plug replacement:
1. Oil Pump Chain & Balance Shaft Chain Wear / Failure
The chain driving the oil pump and balance shaft (where fitted) is undersized for the loads imposed by the three-cylinder engine's unbalanced firing impulses. Early models are particularly vulnerable; chain tensioner wear allows excessive slack, leading to chain stretch, skip, or catastrophic failure[1].
2. Injector Unit (PD Pump–Dooer) Wear & Electrical Failure
Worn plunger seals allow diesel and engine oil to mix; electrical spools fail (sticking or electrical contact wear). These are high-wear components under the extreme pressures of the PD system[1].
Common faults, what to check, and what to pay
Explore more about the Volkswagen Polo
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Vehicle Details
| Registration | YS53 RFL |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Polo |
| Colour | Black |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Engine | 1422cc |
| Year | 2003 |
| First registered | |
| Area code | YS — Sheffield, Yorkshire |
| Age identifier | 53 — September 2003 to February 2004 |
More YS53 R plates
Browse all YS53 R registrations from Sheffield.
About YS53 RFL
What car is YS53 RFL?
YS53 RFL is a black Volkswagen Polo, diesel (1422cc). First registered in Sheffield in 2003.
What is the mileage of YS53 RFL?
The last recorded mileage for YS53 RFL was 141,548 miles, recorded on 29 Nov 2022 during its most recent MOT test.
Has YS53 RFL passed its MOT?
YS53 RFL has had 20 MOT tests with an 80% pass rate (16 passes, 4 failures). It last was tested on 29 Nov 2022.
Is YS53 RFL ULEZ compliant?
Based on its fuel type and registration year, YS53 RFL is likely not ULEZ compliant. As a diesel vehicle registered in 2003, it typically does not meet the Euro 6 emission standard required. This is an estimate — confirm with TfL's ULEZ checker.
How old is YS53 RFL?
YS53 RFL is approximately 23 years old. Age identifier 53 means registered between 1 September 2003 and 28 February 2004.