IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Volkswagen Up! Mk1

The VW Up! arrived as one of the best city cars ever made, offering surprising refinement and build quality for its size. UK buyers loved the low running costs and affordable insurance, though the ASG automated gearbox was best avoided. The manual gearbox was the one to choose, offering smooth and reliable operation.

What changed for 2012

  • •New city car platform with surprisingly spacious interior
  • •Introduction of the ASG automated manual gearbox option

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !High-level brake light seal leaks causing wet boot floor
  • !Clutch release bearing noise on higher-mileage manual models
5
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
3
Minor

All Known Issues

ASG Automated Gearbox Issues

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The automated manual gearbox (ASG) is jerky in traffic, slow to engage drive, and prone to clutch actuator failures. The manual gearbox is far more reliable.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£600
Warning Signs:

Jerky low-speed manoeuvres, Slow gearchanges, Grinding noise when selecting drive

What to Inspect:
  • Test in stop-start traffic
  • Check for clutch actuator fault codes
  • Prefer manual if possible
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Ignition Coil / Misfire

ModerateEngine

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine can suffer from ignition coil failures leading to misfires, rough idling and poor fuel economy. Coils are inexpensive but should be replaced in sets.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£200
Warning Signs:

Engine Management Light flashing, Rough idle, Hesitation under acceleration, Poor fuel economy

What to Inspect:
  • Check for misfire codes
  • Inspect coil packs for cracks
  • Test drive for hesitation
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

High-Level Brake Light Leak

MinorBodywork & Rust

Water enters the boot through the brake light seal, causing wet carpets and potential corrosion in the spare wheel well.

Est. Repair Cost: £50–£100
Warning Signs:

Wet boot carpet, Condensation in boot, Musty smell from rear

What to Inspect:
  • Check spare wheel well for water
  • Inspect brake light seal for cracks
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Clutch Release Bearing Noise

MinorGearbox & Transmission

The clutch release bearing can develop a whining or squealing noise, particularly noticeable when the clutch pedal is pressed. Common on higher-mileage cars.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£500
Warning Signs:

Whining noise when clutch depressed, Noise disappears when pedal released, Squeal in neutral with engine running

What to Inspect:
  • Press and release the clutch slowly while stationary
  • Check for noise in neutral with engine running
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Central Locking Actuator Failure

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Door locking actuators can fail intermittently, leaving doors unlocked or triggering false alarm activations. The driver's door is most commonly affected.

Est. Repair Cost: £80–£150
Warning Signs:

Alarm goes off randomly, Door won't lock with remote, Interior lights stay on

What to Inspect:
  • Test all doors with the remote
  • Check for intermittent locking behaviour
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2012 Volkswagen Up! Mk1

  • ✓Always choose the manual gearbox over the ASG — the automated manual is jerky, slow and unreliable
  • ✓Check the spare wheel well for water — brake light seal leaks are very common
2013–2016
Check a 2012 Volkswagen Up! Mk1 by Registration