Volkswagen Up reliability
The Volkswagen Up fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 19.8% of 83,203 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
8 DVSA recalls for the Volkswagen Up
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Takata front drivers or passenger airbag replacement
Urgent Safety Warning – Do Not Drive Your Vehicle Our information shows your vehicle was originally allocated to or used for an extended period of time in a region with a climate zone considered to as HIGH RISK. Issue: The front airbag in your VW vehicle contains an ageing inflator propellant that may explode when deployed due to long-term exposure to heat and humidity. Risk: If the airbag inflator explodes metal fragments may be ejected causing life-threatening or fatal injuries to anyone in the vehicle.
Fix: The front airbag must be replaced. Immediate Action Required: Stop driving your vehicle immediately. Contact the Takata Stop Drive helpline at 0113 526 9646 (MONDAY to FRIDAY 9:00AM to 5:00PM to arrange your recall service.
Recalled models: UP! · 10 vehicles
Takata Front airbag
The function of the driver airbag inflators can degrade due to air and moisture ingress.
Fix: Replace airbag
Recalled models: UP! (12) · 5,217 vehicles
Towing eye in the vehicle tool kit may detach during use
The welding of the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit may not be to specification. As a result the weld on the eye may fail during use causing loss of propulsion and the towrope with the attached eye can potentially cause property damage and personal injury.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the towing eye in the vehicle tool kit.
Recalled models: UP! · 110,001 vehicles
Airbag/belt tensioners may not trigger in event of an accident
Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision
Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.
Recalled models: UP! · 3,879 vehicles
Panoramic sunroof may detach
The front panel of the panorama sunroof may not have been bonded correctly. This can lead to rattling noises during a journey. If the loosening front panel is not detected this poses a danger for the following traffic.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front panel of the panorama roof.
Recalled models: UP! · 5 vehicles
Child lock may disengage
The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.
Fix: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.
Recalled models: UP! · 13,620 vehicles
Unintentional airbag deployment
In rare cases an air bag acceleration sensor may give an incorrect signal which can lead to an unintentional airbag deployment
Fix: Recall vehicle check if vehicle is affected and replace the control unit as required.
Recalled models: UP! · 526 vehicles
Side airbag diagnostic function disabled
Some vehicles may be fitted with airbag control units with incorrect parameters programmed. On these vehicles the diagnostic function for the side crash sensors is deactivated resulting in potential faults not being recognised and the airbag warning not illuminating.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to re programme the airbag control unit.
Recalled models: UP! · 6,395 vehicles
Checking a Volkswagen Up before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.