IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Volkswagen Up! Mk1

By 2017 the Up! had established itself as the default city car choice in the UK, with a vast used market offering excellent value. The 1.0 MPI engine was refined and economical, and the ASG had been improved but was still best avoided. Insurance groups were among the lowest in the UK market, making it an ideal first car.

What changed for 2017

  • •Updated infotainment with improved smartphone connectivity
  • •Revised trim levels and equipment specifications

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Central locking actuator failures on the driver's door
  • !Ignition coil pack failures causing misfires
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 2017 Volkswagen Up! Mk1

  • ✓The Up! is an ideal first car — low insurance, cheap maintenance, and excellent reliability
  • ✓Check the central locking by testing all doors with the remote — actuator failures are common
2013–20162018
Check a 2017 Volkswagen Up! Mk1 by Registration