2017 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated June 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017 Volkswagen Up has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $10 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2012-2017 Volkswagen Up EA211 1.0 MPI, owners of manual Ups report clutch failure far earlier than expected, sometimes under 15,000 miles, occasionally as low as a few thousand. Symptoms include a burning smell when climbing motorway gradients, slipping, and a rattling clutch release bearing at idle that quiets when the clutch is pressed. Because the clutch is a wear item, VW often declines warranty cover, leaving owners with the bill; UK dealer quotes around £1,000 or more have been reported.
Replace the clutch kit (and dual-mass/flywheel if scored/heat-damaged) and inspect the release bearing. Verify driving technique and check for a dragging/poorly-adjusted clutch contributing to early wear. Pursue a goodwill claim if the car is very low mileage and within the warranty period.
On the 2012-2020 Volkswagen Up EA211 1.0 MPI, separate from clutch wear, the 5-speed manual itself draws complaints of notchy, baulky shifting into 1st and reverse when cold (some owners resort to double-declutching), occasional jumping out of 5th, and a rising gearbox whine indicating worn bearings. Cold-shift difficulty is partly characteristic but worsens with worn synchros and old/incorrect gearbox oil.
Renew gearbox oil with the correct VW specification; check the clutch fully disengages (drag worsens cold engagement). Persistent whine or jumping out of gear points to worn bearings/synchros requiring a gearbox rebuild or replacement.
On the 2012-2020 Volkswagen Up, rainwater collecting in the front footwells is a recurring complaint. Leaves and debris block the rectangular plenum/scuttle drain holes at the base of the windscreen, so water backs up and finds its way through the bulkhead grommet (where the wiring loom passes) into the cabin. Left unaddressed it soaks the carpet/underlay and can corrode electrical connectors, leading to damp smells and electrical gremlins.
Clear leaves and mulch from the scuttle/plenum chamber and clear the drain holes; re-seal the rubber bulkhead grommet around the loom so water can't pass even if the drains block again. Lift and dry the carpet/underlay. Keep the scuttle area clear of leaves as routine maintenance.
On the 2012-2020 Volkswagen Up EA211 1.0 MPI, the Up's rear drum brakes are prone to sticking on. After the car stands with the handbrake applied in wet or humid conditions, the shoes can stay bound to the drum and a rear wheel can lock; wheel-cylinder pistons also corrode and stick. Because these light city cars are driven gently, the rear brakes rarely get worked hard, so the internal components corrode, dry out and seize. Leaking wheel cylinders contaminating the linings have also been reported.
Strip, clean and free off the drum mechanism, lubricate the slider/contact points with high-temperature brake grease, and replace seized or leaking wheel cylinders and corroded shoes. Avoid leaving the handbrake fully applied for long periods in damp weather (use chocks/leave in gear where safe). Periodic firm braking helps keep the rears clean.
On the 2012-2018 Volkswagen Up, the front DRL/sidelight bulbs (type 580 / W21/5W in the early bulb-type lights) are a common failure on the Up, SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo, with one side typically blowing before the other. It triggers a dash warning and an MOT advisory/fail. On bulb-type headlamps the fix is cheap, though the retaining clip is fiddly; some markets/trims have LED DRL modules that are pricier to address.
Replace the failed DRL/sidelight bulb (inexpensive on bulb-type lamps). For LED-module DRLs, replace the DRL module rather than the whole headlamp where possible to save cost. Replace in pairs to avoid colour/age mismatch.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2017-2017 Volkswagen Up has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Premature manual clutch wear / failure at low mileage, Manual gearbox: difficulty selecting 1st/reverse when cold and bearing whine, Water leak into footwells (blocked scuttle/plenum drains, bulkhead grommet). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2017-2017 Volkswagen Up has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Volkswagen Up issues range from $10 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Owners of manual Ups report clutch failure far earlier than expected, sometimes under 15,000 miles, occasionally as low as a few thousand. Symptoms include a burning smell when climbing motorway gradients, slipping, and a rattling clutch release bearing at idle that quiets when t… Repairs typically run $500-$1,300. Severity: medium.
Separate from clutch wear, the 5-speed manual itself draws complaints of notchy, baulky shifting into 1st and reverse when cold (some owners resort to double-declutching), occasional jumping out of 5th, and a rising gearbox whine indicating worn bearings. Cold-shift difficulty is… Repairs typically run $80-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Rainwater collecting in the front footwells is a recurring complaint. Leaves and debris block the rectangular plenum/scuttle drain holes at the base of the windscreen, so water backs up and finds its way through the bulkhead grommet (where the wiring loom passes) into the cabin. Repairs typically run $50-$1,000. Severity: medium.
The Up's rear drum brakes are prone to sticking on. After the car stands with the handbrake applied in wet or humid conditions, the shoes can stay bound to the drum and a rear wheel can lock; wheel-cylinder pistons also corrode and stick. Because these light city cars are driven… Repairs typically run $120-$400. Severity: medium.
The front DRL/sidelight bulbs (type 580 / W21/5W in the early bulb-type lights) are a common failure on the Up, SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo, with one side typically blowing before the other. It triggers a dash warning and an MOT advisory/fail. On bulb-type headlamps the fix is chea… Repairs typically run $10-$120. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
