These are the common problems of the Volkswagen UP
The Volkswagen UP who doesn’t know it? You will definitely see it driving by 5 times today. In this blog post, we cover the most common problems of the Volkswagen UP. We also give an insight into the repair and maintenance costs of the Volkswagen UP.
- Engine issues of the Volkswagen UP
- Electrical issues of the Volkswagen UP
- The well-known gearbox problems
- How to deal with these problems
- Is the Volkswagen UP worth its money?
- Maintenance costs & recalls of the Volkswagen UP
Engine problems of the Volkswagen UP
A well-known problem with the Volkswagen up is the engine not idling. The Volkswagen up has a 3 cylinder engine and is therefore difficult to adjust at idle. A solution to this problem would be to turn up the revs at the garage, only this could come at the expense of the Volkswagen UP’s fuel efficiency.
Repair costs average: €100 (Screwing up revs)
Electric issues of the Volkswagen UP
A commonly reported problem of the Volkswagen UP is the starter motor. For instance, in cold weather, the car sometimes does not start or the car suddenly stops at the traffic lights. This is, of course, very annoying. But this can be fixed by replacing your starter motor with a non-original starter motor of the Volkswagen UP.
The repair costs average: €200
The well-known gearbox problems
The 2015 models suffer from gearbox problems. For instance, the reverse gear is sometimes difficult to put into gear. Many users report having to replace the gearbox early because of the Volkswagen UP’s clunky reverse.
Repair costs average: €1,200
How to deal with these problems
To deal with these problems, regular maintenance is crucial. It is advisable to have the Volkswagen Up checked regularly by a reliable mechanic, especially for the electrical systems and engine. For more complex problems, it may be wise to consult a specialised dealer experienced in specific issues of the Volkswagen Up.
Is the volkswagen up worth its money?
Despite a few minor flaws, the Volkswagen Up is definitely worth its money. For instance, the car drives super economically. And it is ideal for city driving.
Volkswagen UP maintenance costs & recalls
- Problems with rear seatbelt locks: In 2018, a recall was initiated for certain models of the Volkswagen Up due to a problem where the rear seatbelt latches could loosen during fast and abrupt movements, such as a quick lane change. This problem also affected certain models of the Seat Ibiza and Arona, which are part of the same group.
- Steering aspects: There has also been a recall related to the steering gear. This was a preventive measure where the steering column mounting may not have met specifications, potentially leading to steering problems.
- Brake problems: In previous models, there were incidents where braking performance could decrease due to problems with the brake cylinder. This led to a recall to inspect the affected part and replace it if necessary.
Basic maintenance
- Minor service: This type of maintenance is usually recommended annually or every 15,000 kilometres. A minor service can range from €150 to €200. During a minor service, the oil and oil filter are usually changed, and important functions and fluids are checked.
- Major service: A major service is usually recommended every two years or every 30,000 kilometres and is more comprehensive. The cost can range from €250 to €400. Besides changing oil and filters, a major service may also include replacing items such as air filter, fuel filter and spark plugs, depending on the age and model of the car.
Replacement of wear parts
- Brake pads and discs: The cost of replacing brake pads is around €100 to €150 for the front or rear, while replacing pads and discs together can cost around €200 to €300 per axle.
- Tyres: The price of replacing tyres depends heavily on the brand and type of tyre you choose. For the Volkswagen Up, you can assume around €50 to €100 per tyre for quality replacement tyres.
Other possible costs
- Battery: On average, replacing a battery for the Volkswagen Up costs between €80 and €120, depending on the brand and capacity of the battery.
- Clutch: If the clutch needs replacing, which is less frequent, this can be a bigger expense, usually between €400 and €600.
MOT and additional checks
- General Periodic Inspection (APK): The APK inspection is a mandatory inspection in the Netherlands and costs around €20 to €50. The APK checks whether the car meets environmental and safety requirements.
