VW e-up!
First VW series electric motor for the e-up!, 60 kW. Technically simple and long-lived, but suffers from lack of active battery cooling, which limits DC charging to 40 kW. Without an active thermal management strategy the 18.7 kWh battery ages faster with frequent DC charging.
Electric and Direct
82 hp e-up! with 212 Nm instant torque — surprisingly responsive in city traffic. Range limits the action radius, but the driving fun in urban use is genuine.
Engine Weaknesses 5
KBA recall due to a suboptimally executed adhesive seam in the HV battery housing through which moisture can ingress. Approximately 122 vehicles affected worldwide (production May–June 2020). Remedy: sealing with a wax protection layer.
VW recalled e-up models in 2022 because defective adhesive seams in the HV battery housing allow moisture to enter. Damp cells can cause short circuits and elevated fire risk.
Symptoms: Usually no symptoms before recall; in isolated cases HV fault code, battery capacity loss
The DC/DC converter stops charging the 12V battery once the high-voltage battery drops below 10–15% state of charge. With extended parking the 12V battery discharges deeply and the vehicle refuses to start.
Symptoms: Warning message 'electrical system', vehicle won't start after several days parked, WeConnect app no longer responding
The charging module of the VW e-Up! (EUP-ED) can fail and prevents charging of the HV battery. VW has made improvements through several software updates and warranty campaigns.
Symptoms: Vehicle no longer charges, electrical system fault message, HV battery depleted
Since the e-up decelerates primarily through regeneration, the brake discs are rarely mechanically loaded. Rust and dirt build-up leads to uneven braking and increased MOT rejection rate.
Symptoms: Grinding noises when braking, grabby deceleration, MOT brake defects
Vehicle Weaknesses 15
Certain VW up! models are affected by the worldwide Takata airbag recall. Ammonium nitrate gas generators can rupture on deployment and propel fragments. Free replacement at VW dealerships.
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 €).
Models from 2013–2016 show elevated parasitic standby current draw due to control unit faults (instrument cluster, gateway module). Software updates are available. Most common breakdown cause. Battery replacement: 80–150 €.
The automated manual gearbox (ASG) operates the clutch electronically without any driver feel. In city traffic particularly the clutch wears quickly. Typical signs: juddering on take-off, delayed gear commands, gearbox warning light.
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.
Front axle control arm bushings on the up! need replacing prematurely. They rank among the most commonly cited TÜV faults for this model. Repair cost: 100–300 €.
Early models up to 2016 show water entry through misaligned front doors, the rear wiper spindle, or the third brake light. Blocked windscreen drain channels worsen the problem.
TÜV inspections regularly flag the foot brake and handbrake on the up! One-sided braking and uneven wear are typical. Full brake repair: 100–300 €.
On the VW up! AA, the cabin blower motor or its resistor fails. Typically the ventilation only works on the highest setting or stops altogether. The resistor is located behind the glovebox and costs approx. 81 € from VW.
The standard seats in the VW up! AA offer little lateral support and no adjustable lumbar support. Owners report back pain even after short journeys. The fixed headrest pushes the head forward.
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.
The VW up! has rear drum brakes which can seize through rust with short-trip use and extended standing. Brake shoes stick to the drum, causing uneven braking and reduced braking performance.
The coolant temperature sensor in the expansion tank tends to fail. Deposits or oxidation on the connector lead to incorrect readings. The red coolant warning light illuminates despite normal engine temperature.
At full steering lock, many up! models creak or click. The cause is CV joint boots and driveshafts. VW acknowledges the problem but advises against repair due to the absence of any negative consequences for the components.
Daytime running light bulbs fail on the up! at above-average rates and regularly appear as faults at TÜV inspections. Bulb replacement is cheap (approx. 10–30 €) but fiddly to fit.