2012 Volkswagen up!: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Volkswagen up!s, from 13,833 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Volkswagen up!s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Braking performance1.8× usualVolkswagen up!8.7% All 2012 cars4.9%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Steering rack inner joints2.1× usualVolkswagen up!4.9% All 2012 cars2.3%Rough price £80–£450
At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Coil springs: 2.6% here, against 9.6% of all 2012 cars. Engine oil leaks: 1.4% here, against 7.3% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Volkswagen up! MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres29% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Brakes23% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Suspension19% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics14% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Exhaust and emissions7% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors7% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8,268 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 12,859 | Tyres 27% |
| 2017 | 13,210 | Tyres 26% |
| 2016 | 12,836 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 16,273 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 21,114 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 20,211 | Tyres 28% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Volkswagen up!s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score