2017 Volkswagen up!: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2017 Volkswagen up!s, from 13,210 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 2017 Volkswagen up!s than on all cars registered in 2017.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints2× usualVolkswagen up!9.4% All 2017 cars4.8%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Braking performance2.5× usualVolkswagen up!4.5% All 2017 cars1.8%Rough price £100–£350
At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.
- Rear fog lamp7.7× usualVolkswagen up!2.3% All 2017 cars0.3%Rough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Number plates2× usualVolkswagen up!3.6% All 2017 cars1.8%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
Brake pads: 4.9% here, against 10.6% of all 2017 cars.
By area
The share of 2017 Volkswagen up! MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres26% 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.
- Brakes18% 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.
- Suspension13% 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 electrics9% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors5% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Oil and fluid leaks2% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 8,268 | Tyres 25% |
| 2018 | 12,859 | Tyres 27% |
| 2016 | 12,836 | Tyres 26% |
| 2015 | 16,273 | Tyres 28% |
| 2014 | 21,114 | Tyres 29% |
| 2013 | 20,211 | Tyres 28% |
| 2012 | 13,833 | Tyres 29% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2017 Volkswagen up!s registered in 2017. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score