2011-2020 · 1.0L 3-cylinder MPI petrol (60 hp / 75 hp)
Volkswagen's smallest city car with a solid reputation for reliability and low running costs. The 1.0 MPI engine is simple and durable - no turbo complexity, just basic port injection. Shared with Skoda Citigo and Seat Mii. Common issues: reverse gear crunches (no synchromesh - normal behavior), pre-2017 models prone to water leaks into boot/footwells, timing belt is kevlar-reinforced and rated "lifetime" but Volkswagen UK recommends inspection at 5 years. Avoid the ASG automated manual gearbox - jerky and unreliable. Manual gearbox models are much more dependable.
No synchromesh on reverse - normal design characteristic, but can cause damage · more· less
The Volkswagen Up has no synchromesh on reverse gear by design. This causes a crunching sound when engaging reverse if the gearbox internals are still spinning. This is "unfortunately very common and a lot of the time it's just something you have to live with." However, repeated crunching can damage the gearbox - one owner had their gearbox replaced at 25,000 km due to excess metal in the oil. Workaround: select 1st gear first (without releasing clutch), then move to reverse - this stops the gearbox internals from rotating. If selecting forward gears is also stiff and reverse still crunches, the clutch may not be fully disengaging (2012 models had this issue). Full gearbox replacement costs €1,200-1,300.
Water leaks into boot/footwells€50 - €500
Pre-2017 facelift models develop leaks through hatch seals and drainage holes · more· less
Pre-2017 facelift models frequently develop water leaks into the boot through multiple entry points: rear wiper arm grommet, upper brake light seal, Volkswagen badge seal, and lock button seal. Water is also heard sloshing inside the hatch door itself. Additionally, plenum chamber drainage holes become blocked over time, allowing water to enter front footwells. Pre-2014 models also had mis-installed seals causing footwell leaks. DIY fix costs €5-20 for drain hose or sealant. Professional diagnosis costs €100-150, with seal repair costing €200-500. Some cases covered under warranty with hatchback door replacement.
Air conditioning failure€215 - €420
Pressure switch and AC relay common failures, especially 25,000-80,000 km · more· less
The AC pressure sensor and relay are common failure points, especially around 80,000 km. Symptoms include AC not cooling or complete system shutdown. Temperature sensor malfunction (around 65,000 km) can also affect both AC and engine cooling. Pressure switch replacement: €215 (€85 parts + €70 labor + €60 recharge). Temperature sensor and heat exchanger repair: €420. Get the pressure switch and relay tested first before assuming compressor failure - this saves significant money. Full compressor replacement would cost €1,000-1,450.
Start-stop system failure€150 - €320
Battery loses capacity or sensors malfunction, typically 20,000-40,000 km · more· less
Start-stop system malfunctions commonly occur from 20,000-40,000 km. The battery doesn't reach required capacity or sensors don't correctly detect operating conditions, keeping the system deactivated. A weak battery is the most common cause. Requires specialized AGM start-stop battery (standard €40-50 batteries won't work). AGM battery replacement with programming costs €290-320. Proactive battery replacement around 8-9 years is advisable. Budget aftermarket AGM batteries start at €120, OEM batteries €220-320.
Handbrake stuck/frozen€100 - €500
Occurs in winter from 25,000-35,000 km, frozen or corroded brake cables · more· less
Handbrake won't release, especially in winter months, caused by frozen moisture in cables (particularly after car wash) or corroded/rusted cables. Common from 25,000-35,000 km. Prevention: regularly use the parking brake even if not strictly necessary, apply lubricant to cables periodically in areas with road salt. DIY warming with heat gun or engine heat often resolves frozen cables temporarily. Full handbrake cable replacement costs €100-500 depending on labor rates. UK pricing: €75-150 average, higher in cities (€50-100/hour labor) vs towns (€35-50/hour labor).
Tailgate electric opening mechanism€95 - €380
Defective actuators or microswitches as early as 15,000-30,000 km · more· less
The electric tailgate opening mechanism can fail due to defective actuators or microswitches, causing the trunk not to open. Often it's not the mechanical latch but faulty electrical micro switches or loose connections. Common causes include corroded connectors and faulty ground wires. Simple electrical connector repair: €95-120. Full mechanism replacement: €380 including parts and labor. Often resolved by recalibrating sensor system, replacing damaged connectors, and ensuring proper electrical connections.
EGR valve clogging€50 - €410
Carbon buildup from short trips/city driving causes misfires and fault codes · more· less
EGR valve issues cause "implausible signal" fault codes, random/multiple misfires, especially if stuck open (dilutes combustion mixture with excess exhaust gases). Common if driven gently or only for short trips - motorway driving helps prevent carbon buildup. DIY cleaning: €50 (carb cleaner + wire brush). Professional cleaning: €150-200. Full EGR valve replacement: €383-412 for Golf platform (Up likely similar). If only clogged, mechanic can carbon-clean and reinstall same part. If diaphragm stuck/broken, replacement needed.
Spark plugs and ignition coils€100 - €350
Premature wear causes misfires, especially during acceleration · more· less
Some owners experience misfires during acceleration due to faulty spark plugs or ignition coils. Engine starts poorly in cold temperatures from 50,000 km onwards, often due to worn spark plugs. Old spark plugs with larger electrode gaps require higher voltage, adding load on ignition coils and potentially causing coil failure. Ignition coils typically last around 100,000 km. DIY spark plug replacement: €100 (parts). Independent shop spark plugs: €100-250. Spark plugs + ignition coils at dealer: €350-500. Single ignition coil replacement: €140-235.
Rear brake shoes sticking€140 - €270
Rear drum brakes stick when wet after handbrake applied · more· less
Rear drum brakes stick on when they get wet, particularly after the handbrake has been on. This is a characteristic of drum brake systems. Some owners report warped front brake discs after only 14,000 km. Rear brake disc/pad replacement (for models with rear disc brakes and electronic parking brake): €140-270. Front brake pads/discs replacement: €200-470 depending on dealer vs independent shop. Brake pads typically last 25,000-65,000 km, discs last 50,000+ km.
Timing belt debate (lifetime vs 5-year)€200 - €669
Kevlar-reinforced "lifetime" belt but UK recommends 5-year inspection · more· less
Volkswagen AG (manufacturer) says timing belt is kevlar-reinforced and "lifetime" with first inspection at 240,000 km, then every 30,000 km. Volkswagen UK (importer) previously said 140,000 miles or 5 years. Some engines became jammed when timing belts were overdue. Conservative approach: inspect at 5 years or 165,000 km. Independent garage timing belt replacement: €200-369 (€299 belt only, €369 including water pump). Volkswagen dealer: €460-669. Parts alone: roller ~€50, tensioner €60, belt ~€50. If belt fails, it's an interference engine - catastrophic damage likely.
Excellent value city car with low running costs
The Volkswagen Up 1.0 MPI is one of the most reliable small cars you can buy. The simple port-injection engine has no turbo or direct injection complexity. Most issues are minor (reverse gear crunch is design characteristic, water leaks are seal-related) and well-documented. Avoid ASG automated gearbox - stick with manual. The timing belt debate is the only significant concern, but conservative 5-year inspection resolves this. Overall maintenance costs are very low for this segment.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Volkswagen dealer or specialist records essential, especially timing belt inspection records.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Size: typically 165/70 R14.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, rough idle, or misfires.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Small city car likely has parking dings.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. City car but should drive smoothly on motorway.
Specific for this vehicle
Test reverse gear multiple times
Select reverse from neutral 5-6 times. Slight crunch is normal (no synchromesh), but if it grinds/resists heavily, workaround: select 1st gear first, then reverse without releasing clutch. If all forward gears are also stiff, clutch may not be fully disengaging.
Check for water leaks thoroughly
Open boot/hatch and check for water staining, damp smell, or visible water. Listen for sloshing inside hatch door when opening. Check front footwells for dampness (especially pre-2014 models). Pre-2017 models most susceptible.
Verify timing belt inspection/replacement history
Critical: ask for proof of timing belt inspection or replacement. If car is 5+ years old with no records, factor €300-400 into budget. Interference engine - belt failure means catastrophic damage.
Test air conditioning thoroughly
Run AC on max cold for 10+ minutes. Should blow ice-cold air. If lukewarm or warm, likely pressure switch (€215) or temperature sensor (€420).
Check start-stop system operation
If equipped, verify start-stop works properly. Come to complete stop, car should shut off engine. Common failure 20,000-40,000 km - new AGM battery required (€290-320).
Avoid ASG automated manual gearbox
If car has ASG (automated manual), avoid unless heavily discounted. "Slow to respond, jerky gearchanges" - widely reported issues. Manual gearbox models vastly more reliable.
Test handbrake
Apply handbrake on incline and verify it holds firmly. Release and re-apply several times - should move smoothly. Sticking/resistance indicates cable corrosion (€100-500 to fix).
Check for recalls completed
Airbag/seat belt pretensioner (May-Oct 2016), panorama sunroof bonding (Feb-Apr 2016), side airbag diagnostic (Jan-Mar 2013). Use VIN to verify with dealer.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Airbag/seat belt pretensioner may not trigger (May-Oct 2016)Verify completed
All 2011-2020 Volkswagen Up models are outside their original factory warranty period. Extended warranty may be available through Volkswagen dealers or third-party providers. Given the car's excellent reliability record and low repair costs, extended warranty is likely not necessary for most buyers.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.