At a Glance
The Volkswagen Up has 25 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the Mk1 (2011-2023) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 846K MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Volkswagen Up common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Volkswagen Up generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Browse Volkswagen Up Generations
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Most Common Volkswagen Up MOT Failures
Every reason Volkswagen Up vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 22.48% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 16.91% |
| 3 | Brake pads or linings worn | 7.34% |
| 4 | Headlamp fault | 5.71% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.36% |
| 6 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 4.60% |
| 7 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.67% |
| 8 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 3.31% |
| 9 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 2.88% |
| 10 | Front lamp not working | 2.10% |
| 11 | Ball joint dust cover split | 2.01% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 1.96% |
| 13 | Stop lamp not working | 1.92% |
| 14 | Exhaust system fault | 1.91% |
| 15 | Indicator fault | 1.82% |
| 16 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 1.80% |
| 17 | Airbag warning light on | 1.56% |
| 18 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.21% |
| 19 | Wheel bearing worn | 1.16% |
| 20 | Number plate lamp not working | 0.95% |
| 21 | Driveshaft fault | 0.88% |
| 22 | ABS fault | 0.64% |
| 23 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.48% |
| 24 | Track rod end worn | 0.41% |
| 25 | Parking brake condition | 0.41% |
| 26 | Position lamp not working | 0.41% |
| 27 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.39% |
| 28 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.36% |
| 29 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.36% |
| 30 | Horn not working | 0.33% |
| 31 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.29% |
| 32 | Steering rack fault | 0.25% |
| 33 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 34 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.19% |
| 35 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.17% |
| 36 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.17% |
| 37 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.16% |
| 38 | Front passenger door fault | 0.15% |
| 39 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.14% |
| 40 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.14% |
| 41 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.14% |
| 42 | Engine oil leak | 0.12% |
| 43 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 0.12% |
| 44 | Seat belt condition | 0.12% |
| 45 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.11% |
| 46 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.10% |
| 47 | Electrical switch fault | 0.10% |
| 48 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.10% |
| 49 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.08% |
| 50 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.07% |
| 51 | Fog lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 52 | Rear lamp not working | 0.07% |
| 53 | Front suspension fault | 0.07% |
| 54 | Brake pedal fault | 0.06% |
| 55 | Windscreen washer not working | 0.06% |
| 56 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | 0.06% |
| 57 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 58 | Driver door fault | 0.06% |
| 59 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.05% |
| 60 | Drag link end worn | 0.04% |
| 61 | Driver airbag fault | 0.04% |
| 62 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 63 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 64 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 65 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 66 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.03% |
| 67 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.03% |
| 68 | Electric power steering fault | 0.03% |
| 69 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | 0.03% |
| 70 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.03% |
| 71 | Brake caliper fault | 0.03% |
| 72 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 73 | Exhaust leak | 0.03% |
| 74 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 75 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Window damaged or won't operate | 0.03% |
| 77 | Brake fluid leak | 0.03% |
| 78 | Chassis condition | 0.03% |
| 79 | Passenger seat fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Steering arm worn | 0.02% |
| 81 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.02% |
| 82 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Main beam warning light fault | 0.02% |
| 85 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Hydraulic fluid leak | 0.02% |
| 87 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.02% |
| 88 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 89 | Outline marker lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 90 | Propshaft fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Dip switch fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Body security fault | 0.01% |
| 93 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.01% |
| 94 | Steering lock fault | 0.01% |
| 95 | Reversing lamp switch fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 97 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 98 | Brake valve fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.01% |
| 100 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.01% |
| 101 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Brake master cylinder fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Seat belt or padding damaged | 0.01% |
| 104 | Reversing lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 105 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 106 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 107 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 108 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 109 | Tyre size or type not matched | <0.01% |
| 110 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 115 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | <0.01% |
| 117 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 119 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 122 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 125 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 126 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 127 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 130 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Handbrake cable fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 138 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 140 | Power steering pump fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 144 | Subframe mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 145 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
Showing all 146 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Volkswagen Up MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Volkswagen Up, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Volkswagen Up problems?
Based on analysis of 846K Volkswagen Up MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 25 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Wiper blades deteriorated". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Volkswagen Up generation has the most problems?
The Volkswagen Up Mk1 (2011-2023) (2011–2023) has the highest number of identified common problems (27). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Volkswagen Up?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Volkswagen Up owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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