Electric power steering assistance can cut out
Red or amber steering warning light, steering suddenly much heavier than normal, possible pull to one side or intermittent loss of assistance.
Should I buy a 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0 Petrol Manual?
Considering a 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0 Petrol Manual? This guide explains the problems associated with this model and what to examine when viewing one. Condition, maintenance history and previous repairs matter, so judge the exact car on evidence rather than badge appeal.
At a glance
We have detailed information drawn from more than 2 billion data points and an extensive list of potential faults for this vehicle. Below is a sample of three. Run a bespoke report by entering your vehicle details to see the full list.
This guide explains the model. Your registration tells the real story.
Enter your registration to see the ownership outlook for the exact car you're considering.
Or enter the vehicle manually
Common Volkswagen Up (2012–2016) problems
Rear drum brakes stick after damp weather or overnight parking
Squeal from rear on first few brake applications, loud clunk when pulling away, handbrake feels stuck after overnight parking, car may feel like one rear wheel is dragging.
Front footwell water ingress from blocked drains or bulkhead grommets
Damp carpets, misting windows, musty smell, water under front or rear mats, sloshing noise from body cavities.
Volkswagen Up buying questions
Is a 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up worth buying?
It can be, but only if the individual car backs it up. For the 2012–2016 Volkswagen Up 1.0 Petrol Manual, treat model-level patterns as viewing priorities and let condition, history and inspection evidence decide.
What common problems affect the Volkswagen Up (2012–2016)?
The problem cards above list the model-level checks for this guide. Read them as priorities for inspection and paperwork review, not proof that every example will have those faults.
What should I check before buying a Volkswagen Up?
Look for evidence, not just assurances: MOT advisories, service history, repair invoices, warning lights, fluid leaks, tyre and brake condition, and how the car behaves on a proper test drive. And of course, look at your personalised Should I Buy This Car? report, outlining a full list of common issues in detail, a personalised road test, a plain-English explanation and a MotorIQ score.
A model guide is useful. A report on its registration is better.
The guide above gives you the model-level pattern. A personalised MotorIQ report checks the registration-specific record and turns it into an ownership view before you commit.
Or enter the vehicle manually