VW up! 1(AA)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
95–116 PS
1.0L TSI Benzin
Little Rocket with GTI DNA
Fun to Drive!60–75 PS
1.0L MPI Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good ChoiceEngine Overview
The VW up! 1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 60 to 116 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The VW 1.0L MPI (Benziner, 60–75 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CHYA (2011–2023, Good Choice) und CHYA (2011–2023, Good Choice) und CHYB (2011–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.0L MPI!
The VW eco (Erdgas, 68 PS) has the CPGA (1.0L CNG) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW e-up! (Elektro, 82–83 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EUP-ED (2013–2019, Be Careful) und EUP-ED2 (2019–2023, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the e-up!!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Rust around fuel filler and front wings Pre-facelift models up to 2016 without wheel arch liners collect dirt at the fuel filler, leading to paint damage and corrosion of the body panel. In extreme cases VW replaces the entire side panel (cost up to 4,000 €). Symptoms: Small rust bubbles or paint flakes around the fuel cap; rust on wheel arch edges; paint bubbling at door handles from 80,000 km | Medium | |
| Inadequate underbody corrosion protection The underbody of the up! sometimes has insufficient factory corrosion protection. The exhaust rusts through quickly with short-trip use. Retroactive cavity and underbody sealing is recommended. Symptoms: Surface rust visible on underbody during inspection; rusty exhaust on short-trip vehicles; heat shield rattling on exhaust from 80,000 km | Low | |
| Exhaust system: heavy corrosion and loose heat shields The exhaust system on the up! rusts through after just a few winters, especially with short-trip use. Heat shields come loose and rattle. The rear silencer and centre silencer are frequently affected and can become an inspection failure. Symptoms: Rattling noise from under the vehicle floor; rattling over road bumps; visible rust on the rear silencer; hissing from the exhaust area from 60,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Smart ForTwo 453-FL
Kleinstwagen (2020–2024)
Suzuki Ignis II-FL
Kleinstwagen (2020–2025)
Hyundai i10 AC3
Kleinstwagen (2019–2025)
Kia Picanto JA
Kleinstwagen (2017–2024)
Suzuki Ignis II
Kleinstwagen (2017–2020)
Ford Ka Ka+
Kleinstwagen (2016–2019)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the VW up! 1 (2011–2023) — 39 engine-related and 17 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics. Considered reliable: CHYA (1.0L MPI).
up! (CHYB, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: Timing belt — no fixed replacement interval, Gearbox shaft seal — driveshaft oil loss, Exhaust system corrodes — short-trip operation. Power: 75 PS.
up! (CHZA, 2016–2018) — Be Careful: Wet timing belt — premature wear with poor oil quality, Timing belt failure — engine damage without warning, Wastegate rattles — turbocharger actuator. Power: 90 PS.
up! (DKRF, 2018–2023) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Bolt Loose — Recall EA211, Wastegate Rattling and Turbocharger Wear, Elevated Oil Consumption. Power: 116 PS.
up! (DSGC, 2020–2023) — Be Careful: Oil-Bath Timing Belt – Maintenance Often Neglected, Failed Ignition Coil – Three-Cylinder Rough Running, Otto Particulate Filter Blocked by Short-Trip Use. Power: 60–65 PS.
up! (CPGA, 2012–2019) — Be Careful: Corrosion on CNG Pressure Tank, Recall 24DQ: Gas Lines Insufficiently Tightened, CNG Injector — Single Cylinder Failure. Power: 68 PS.
up! (EUP-ED, 2013–2019) — Be Careful: Recall High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk, Recall: Moisture in HV Battery — Fire Risk, 12V Battery Deep Discharge via DC/DC Converter. Power: 82 PS.
up! (EUP-ED2, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: HV System Shutdown — Vehicle Stranded, 12V Battery Deep Discharge via DC/DC Converter, Intermittent HV Battery Fault Codes. Power: 83 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW up!? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee