EngineHigh
1.0 MPI timing chain and tensioner wear on early cars
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for a rattle on cold start-up
2016 Volkswagen Up problems
A 2016 Volkswagen Up is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2016 Volkswagen Up is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 4 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Turn these known faults into a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact Volkswagen Up · $9.
Build the inspection planFaults a 2016 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.
Transmission / ControlsMedium
Clicking noise when depressing the clutch pedal or judder when pulling away.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-50,000 miles
- What to inspect
- With the engine off, depress the clutch pedal fully by hand and listen for a distinct click from the pedal box. Start the engine and test the bite point for judder.
Climate ControlMedium
Air conditioning blows warm air due to condenser failure from stone chips.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine, engage the AC, and check vent temperature. Shine a torch through the lower front bumper grille to inspect the exposed condenser for oily patches or heavy stone impact damage.
SuspensionLow
Knocking or creaking noises from the front end when driving over speed bumps.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Apply firm downward pressure to the front wings to bounce the suspension and listen for creaks. Perform a low-speed brake test on the forecourt to listen for a clunk from the lower wishbone rear bushes.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
TransmissionMedium
ASG automated manual jerky shifting
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Drive in traffic and judge whether a buyer would accept it
ElectricalLow
Battery drain and infotainment dock faults
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Check battery health and test all electrics after standing
BodyMedium
Tailgate and rear panel corrosion on older examples
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect the tailgate seam and rear arches
Interior / BodyMedium
Damp carpets in the front passenger footwell and a musty cabin smell.
- Typically appears
- 4-6 years
- What to inspect
- Press firmly into the passenger side front carpet beneath the glovebox to check for dampness. Shine a torch into the scuttle panel beneath the windscreen wipers to check for leaf debris blocking the drains.
Inspecting a 2016 Volkswagen Up?
Turn this car's known weak points into a step-by-step viewing plan · what to inspect, what a bad result means and what to ask the seller.
Build my inspection planVolkswagen Up · frequently asked questions
Is the ASG gearbox a problem?
It works, but it shifts slowly. Set expectations on the test drive or buyers walk away.
Why do Ups hold value?
Build quality, low running costs and constant demand from new and older drivers alike.
What should I check first?
Cold-start chain noise. Everything else on these cars is usually straightforward.
Are the 1.0 TSI engines in the Up GTI reliable?
The 1.0 TSI is generally robust but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals to prevent turbocharger wear. Check for wastegate rattle on a cold start. Spark plugs must be replaced every 40,000 miles; neglected ignition systems often cause noticeable misfires under heavy load.
Does the Up require a cambelt replacement?
The standard 1.0 MPI engine uses a timing chain, but the 1.0 TSI engine found in the Up GTI uses a cambelt. Volkswagen UK previously recommended replacing this belt every five years, but recently updated guidance advises replacement based on mileage or condition during routine servicing. Always check the history.
Why does the manual gearbox whine in reverse?
The reverse gear in the manual Volkswagen Up lacks a synchromesh, which results in a characteristic whining noise when reversing. This is a normal design trait and not indicative of a gearbox failure. However, difficulty engaging reverse or crunching suggests the clutch requires adjustment or is dragging.
Other Up model years
Buying a Volkswagen Up? Build a step-by-step viewing plan for this exact car · $9.
Build the plan