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 1 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2016 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.
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
Inspecting a 2016 Volkswagen Up?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carVolkswagen 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.