VW up! 1(AA)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The up! is VW's cheapest city car — since 2011 as petrol, CNG, and electric (e-up!), discontinued in 2023. Platform siblings: SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo. Designed for urban mobility, surprisingly grown-up for its size.
Engine choice: The CHYA (1.0 MPI, 60 hp) is the entry — simple and robust, but the timing belt must be changed every 3 years or 30,000 miles (unusually short!). The 1.0 TSI (90 hp) in GTI trim is more fun, same belt schedule. The CPGA (1.0 CNG) is extremely cheap to run, but the fueling network is shrinking. The EUP-ED2 (e-up! Gen 2, 32 kWh) is the ideal city EV, but DC charging tops out at 40 kW. Avoid the ASG automated manual — "slow and jerky" (What Car?), clutch failures under 5,000 miles documented.
Weaknesses: ASG clutch is the most expensive problem (up to $1,400). Rust around fuel door, underbody, and exhaust on older examples. 12V battery on the e-up! is a constant topic.
Test drive: Test ASG for juddering. Check underbody and fuel door for rust. Demand belt change proof! For e-up!: test 12V battery status and charging function.
Market 2026: Petrol from $1,600, newer from $5,500. e-up! Gen 2 from $7,500.
Insider pick: A CHYA (1.0 MPI) with manual 5-speed (no ASG!) and current timing belt is the safest choice.
83 PS
e-up! · Elektro
City Sprinter with Plug
Decent60–75 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 CHYA is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder MPI with 60 hp — the base engine in this city car. Simple, robust, and frugal. The critical topic is the timing belt with an unusually short change interval of just 3 years or 30,000 miles — forget it and you risk engine destruction (interference engine). Three-cylinder vibrations stress engine mounts harder than four-cylinders, replacement from 80,000 km not unusual. Crankcase ventilation can clog at high mileage. Overall a good-natured engine that rewards punctual belt maintenance with long life.
- !! Timing belt: check lifetime rating from 150,000 km
The manufacturer classifies the timing belt as maintenance-free for its lifetime, but workshops recommend inspection from 150,000 km and every 30,000 km thereafter. A broken timing belt causes severe engine damage.
Symptoms: No advance warning — preventive inspection strongly recommended - ! Crankcase ventilation clogged from 120,000 km
The 1.0 MPI tends to develop crankcase ventilation issues at higher mileages, which can lead to slight oil consumption. Regular oil level checks recommended.
Symptoms: Slight oil consumption, bluish smoke on cold start, oil film on air filter housing - ! Ignition coil faulty from 80,000 km
Faulty ignition coils are a known issue on small engines of this era. Misfires and MIL are typical signs. Replacement is inexpensive.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling, power loss, MIL, rough idle
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
EA211 1.0 MPI three-cylinder naturally aspirated with 75 hp — the entry-level engine. No turbocharger, no direct injection system, making it technically simple and low-maintenance. Timing belt as classic wear item, replacement recommended every 60,000–90,000 km. Power sufficient for city driving, struggles on highway inclines. Three-cylinder vibrations noticeable but within bounds. Few documented problems, one of the most trouble-free engines in VW lineup.
- !! Timing belt — no fixed replacement interval from 120,000 km
VW does not specify a mandatory replacement interval. Visual inspection from 90,000 km is recommended. A belt failure risks total valve train damage as the engine is an interference design.
Symptoms: Ticking or whining from the engine bay at certain RPM ranges. On failure: sudden engine stop. - !! Gearbox shaft seal — driveshaft oil loss from 60,000 km
Vehicles built before October 2014 have a leaking shaft seal at the driveshaft flange. Gearbox oil loss without timely top-up leads to gearbox damage.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle, stiff engagement of first gear and reverse when cold. - ! Exhaust system corrodes — short-trip operation from 100,000 km
The 1.0 MPI as a typical city engine is frequently used on short trips. Condensation water does not fully evaporate in the exhaust system, leading to premature corrosion.
Symptoms: Droning or ticking from the exhaust area, visible rust on the tailpipe and centre silencer.
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The EUP-ED is the electric drivetrain of this first-generation city car — 18.7 kWh battery, real-world range 80–130 km. Main issue is the 12V auxiliary battery: deep discharge via the DC/DC converter is the most discussed topic for this drivetrain. Solution: check AGM battery regularly, replace preventively if needed. VW recall for fire risk from moisture in the HV battery (2019) — check recall status. Brake discs rust from recuperation (mechanical brakes rarely used). Charging control module can fail — charging impossible.
- !! Recall High-Voltage Battery Fire Risk
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.
- !! Recall: Moisture in HV Battery — Fire Risk
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 - !! 12V Battery Deep Discharge via DC/DC Converter
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
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The EUP-ED2 is the electric drivetrain of this second-generation city car — 32.3 kWh battery, real-world range 150–250 km. The larger battery solves the first generation's range issue, but 12V deep discharge remains a topic (though less frequent). DC charging is limited to 40 kW maximum — not fast charging by modern standards. Brake disc corrosion from recuperation as with the first generation. HV system abort documented as sporadic issue — vehicle stops. Overall a reliable city EV with known quirks.
- !! HV System Shutdown — Vehicle Stranded from 20,000 km
On the revised e-up (2020+) the HV system shuts down unexpectedly, leaving the vehicle unable to move. The trigger is often the discharged 12V battery in combination with software errors.
Symptoms: Warning message 'electrical system fault — pull over!', complete loss of drive, no restart possible - !! 12V Battery Deep Discharge via DC/DC Converter
Even on the facelift the DC/DC converter stops charging the 12V battery when the HV pack drops below approximately 15%. With extended parking the 12V battery discharges deeply, and the software update reduces but does not completely eliminate the problem.
Symptoms: Warning message 'electrical system', vehicle won't start, WeConnect app won't connect - !! Intermittent HV Battery Fault Codes
Fault codes P30DF00 (balancing charge HV→12V), P0B3C00 (implausible battery signal) and blower controller faults appear repeatedly on older vehicles. Cause is usually 12V battery degradation; HV battery defects are rare.
Symptoms: Electrical system warning light, reduced range, occasional failure to start
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The CPGA is the CNG natural gas engine in this city car — same 1.0-liter three-cylinder as the CHYA but optimized for dual-fuel operation (natural gas + petrol). Extremely frugal on CNG (under 3 kg/100 km). CNG tanks require inspection every 10 years — steel tank corrosion is a safety concern. Spark plugs wear faster due to hotter CNG combustion, plan shorter change intervals. The electronic gas pressure regulator can leak. CNG injectors occasionally fail individually. The shrinking natural gas station network makes CNG drive a niche choice in 2026.
- !! Corrosion on CNG Pressure Tank from 100,000 km
The CNG pressure tank of the Seat Mii Ecofuel develops rust at valve connections and gas lines. The absence of wax protection is the cause. MOT fails. Repair costs exceed the vehicle value.
Symptoms: Visible rust on gas tank, MOT failure, tank shut-off by workshop - !! Recall 24DQ: Gas Lines Insufficiently Tightened
CNG lines fitted with insufficient torque (recall 24DQ, 2018 build). Nut connections can loosen and lead to gas leaks.
Symptoms: Gas smell, CNG pressure drop, CNG system warning lamp - !! CNG Injector — Single Cylinder Failure from 100,000 km
On the 1.0 CNG CPGA individual gas injectors can fail. A faulty injector causes power loss and rough running in gas mode.
Symptoms: Hesitation in CNG mode, power loss, rough engine, switching to petrol immediately improves running
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
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 |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2022
The up! ranks among the best small cars at MOT and shows barely any noteworthy faults.
2021-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2020
The up! shows a pleasingly low breakdown frequency and ranks among the most reliable city cars.
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 54 weaknesses have been documented for the VW up! 1 (2011–2023) — 38 engine-related and 16 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, Increased oil consumption — piston ring issue. 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