MOT Risk Index.co.uk

Volkswagen up! MOT pass rate and common problems

84.8% of Volkswagen up! models passed the 2024 MOT (124,718 first tests): 79.8% at the first attempt and 5.1% after a fix at the test centre (PRS), each rounded separately. About 1 in 5 failed the first attempt. For its age, it fails 22% less often than normal: MOT Risk Index 78.5 (95% CI 77.6–79.3; 100 = normal).

Volkswagen up! at a glance, 2024 MOT
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
MOT pass rate84.8%incl. 5.1% fixed at the test centre2024124718
Passed at the first attempt79.8%all first tests2024124718
MOT Risk Index (95% CI 77.6–79.3)78.5index100 = normal for its age · rank 244 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age)2024124718
Biggest excess: Noise, emissions and leaks1.9per 1001.7 same-age2019–2024656392
Dangerous defects4.8per 10011.2 UK, not age-adjusted2019–2024656392
Advisory items71.6per 100127.1 UK, not age-adjusted2019–2024656392
strip · Volkswagen up! · MOT Risk Index · 78.5 vs 100 = normal · 2024
MOT Risk Index · Volkswagen up!. 0–240; 100 = normal for its age; median model 92.8 · rank 244 (tied) of 761 (1 = fails least for its age). It would rank between 240 and 252 anywhere within its 95% interval, other models held where they are. DVSA, 2024.
Volkswagen up! index position among 761 models
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Rank244of 761published models, 1 = fails least for its age2024124718
Best rank within its 95% interval240rankother models held where they are2024124718
Worst rank within its 95% interval252rankother models held where they are2024124718

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Download this page's numbers (CSV) · How to cite

Data release dvsa-2024-v2 (24 Sep 2026) · full dataset (v5). This model's index changed from 82.5 to 78.5 in the 24 September 2026 release, after duplicate test records were removed.

What actually fails on a Volkswagen up! MOT, and how often?

Volkswagen up! MOTs fail most often on visibility: 5.9 per 100 tests, against 6.1 for UK cars of the same age (2019–2024, n = 656,392).

bar · Volkswagen up! · Visibility · 5.9 vs 6.1 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Visibility5.9per 1006.12019–202439038
Brakes5.8per 1006.72019–202438385
Tyres4.8per 1008.12019–202431184
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment3.5per 1008.72019–202423119
Suspension2per 1007.82019–202412882
Noise, emissions and leaks1.9per 1001.72019–202412558

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 656,392 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Tyres, brakes and suspension: how does the Volkswagen up! compare with cars of the same age?

At every age shown, the Volkswagen up! is at or below same-age cars of comparable models on tyres, brakes and suspension; for example suspension at age 3: 0.2 failures per 100 tests, against 0.6 (2019–2024, n = 55,902).

bullet · Volkswagen up! · Tyres, age 3 · 2.3 vs 4.2 · 2019–2024
Tyres, age 3: 2.3 vs 4.2. Brakes, age 3: 0.8 vs 1.8. Suspension, age 3: 0.2 vs 0.6. Tyres, age 4: 2.6 vs 4.5. Brakes, age 4: 1.4 vs 2.4. Suspension, age 4: 0.3 vs 1.2. Tyres, age 5: 3.0 vs 5.1. Brakes, age 5: 2.1 vs 3.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres, age 32.3per 1004.22019–202455902
Brakes, age 30.8per 1001.82019–202455902
Suspension, age 30.2per 1000.62019–202455902
Tyres, age 42.6per 1004.52019–202466769
Brakes, age 41.4per 1002.42019–202466769
Suspension, age 40.3per 1001.22019–202466769
Tyres, age 53.0per 1005.12019–202484352
Brakes, age 52.1per 1003.12019–202484352
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Suspension, age 50.7per 1002.22019–202484352
Tyres, age 63.5per 1005.52019–202495800
Brakes, age 63.0per 1003.82019–202495800
Suspension, age 61.1per 1003.72019–202495800
Tyres, age 73.6per 1006.02019–202496593
Brakes, age 73.8per 1004.52019–202496593
Suspension, age 71.5per 1005.72019–202496593
Tyres, age 83.7per 1006.32019–202482989
Brakes, age 84.5per 1005.42019–202482989
Suspension, age 82per 1007.82019–202482989

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Will my Volkswagen up!'s advisory become a fail at the next MOT?

Volkswagen up! advisories turn into fails less often than on the median model; the one to watch is body, chassis, structure: advisories on it became a fail at the next MOT 10.9% of the time.

funnel · Volkswagen up! · Body, chassis, structure · 10.9 vs median model · 2019–2024
Advisories on body, chassis, structure: 10.9 of 100 became a fail on the same item at the next MOT. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Body, chassis, structure10.9% next failmedian model2019–20243286
Brakes10.3% next failmedian model2019–202454386
Suspension8.3% next failmedian model2019–202416093
Visibility8.0% next failmedian model2019–2024598
Tyres6.2% next failmedian model2019–2024111077
Identification of the vehicle3.7% next failmedian model2019–20244891
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems3.2% next failmedian model2019–20241131
Noise, emissions and leaks2.9% next failmedian model2019–20242343
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Steering2.1% next failmedian model2019–20241258
Road wheels0.7% next failmedian model2019–20243246
Non-component advisories0% next failmedian model2019–202427224

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

My Volkswagen up! got an MOT advisory: what gets flagged most?

Volkswagen up! MOTs flag tyres most: 39.6 advisories per 100 tests, against 39.7 across UK tests (2019–2024, n = 656,392).

bar · Volkswagen up! · Tyres · 39.6 vs 39.7 · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Tyres39.6per 10039.72019–2024259984
Brakes16.6per 10034.72019–2024109000
Non-component advisories5.9per 1007.82019–202438578
Suspension5.6per 10026.22019–202436569
Identification of the vehicle1.1per 1002.52019–20247248
Body, chassis, structure0.8per 1004.62019–20245490

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 656,392 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What is likely to fail next on a Volkswagen up!?

For Volkswagen up! models aged 3 to 5 whose last MOT was a pass, the item most likely to fail at the next MOT is visibility: 4.4% failed on it (2019–2024, n = 129,286).

bar · Volkswagen up! · Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass · 3.9 vs baseline · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a pass3.9% next fail2019–202433088
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a pass2.0% next fail2019–202433088
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after a pass1.3% next fail2019–202433088
Brakes, under 3 years old, after a pass1.0% next fail2019–202433088
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after a pass0.4% next fail2019–202433088
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202433088
Suspension, under 3 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–202433088
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202433088
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Identification of the vehicle, under 3 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202433088
Steering, under 3 years old, after a pass0.0% next fail2019–202433088
Road wheels, under 3 years old, after a pass0.0% next fail2019–202433088
Visibility, under 3 years old, after an advisory6.3% next fail2019–20245479
Tyres, under 3 years old, after an advisory3.9% next fail2019–20245479
Brakes, under 3 years old, after an advisory2.2% next fail2019–20245479
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after an advisory1.8% next fail2019–20245479
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.6% next fail2019–20245479
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.6% next fail2019–20245479
Suspension, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.5% next fail2019–20245479
Identification of the vehicle, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.4% next fail2019–20245479
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–20245479
Road wheels, under 3 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–20245479
Visibility, under 3 years old, after a fail6.1% next fail2019–20243364
Tyres, under 3 years old, after a fail3.5% next fail2019–20243364
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, under 3 years old, after a fail2.9% next fail2019–20243364
Brakes, under 3 years old, after a fail2.6% next fail2019–20243364
Noise, emissions and leaks, under 3 years old, after a fail0.7% next fail2019–20243364
Suspension, under 3 years old, after a fail0.6% next fail2019–20243364
Body, chassis, structure, under 3 years old, after a fail0.5% next fail2019–20243364
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, under 3 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–20243364
Identification of the vehicle, under 3 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–20243364
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass4.4% next fail2019–2024129286
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass2.4% next fail2019–2024129286
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass1.8% next fail2019–2024129286
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass1.7% next fail2019–2024129286
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.8% next fail2019–2024129286
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.8% next fail2019–2024129286
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.7% next fail2019–2024129286
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–2024129286
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–2024129286
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.0% next fail2019–2024129286
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after a pass0.0% next fail2019–2024129286
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory6.4% next fail2019–202443715
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory4.6% next fail2019–202443715
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory3.7% next fail2019–202443715
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory2.7% next fail2019–202443715
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory1.6% next fail2019–202443715
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory1.2% next fail2019–202443715
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.8% next fail2019–202443715
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–202443715
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.3% next fail2019–202443715
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–202443715
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after an advisory0.0% next fail2019–202443715
Visibility, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail6.3% next fail2019–202430091
Tyres, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail4.9% next fail2019–202430091
Brakes, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail4.5% next fail2019–202430091
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail4.2% next fail2019–202430091
Suspension, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail1.7% next fail2019–202430091
Body, chassis, structure, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail1.3% next fail2019–202430091
Noise, emissions and leaks, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail1.1% next fail2019–202430091
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.4% next fail2019–202430091
Identification of the vehicle, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–202430091
Steering, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.1% next fail2019–202430091
Road wheels, 3 to 5 years old, after a fail0.1% next fail2019–202430091
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass4.0% next fail2019–2024119453
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass3.2% next fail2019–2024119453
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass2.7% next fail2019–2024119453
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass2.2% next fail2019–2024119453
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass1.7% next fail2019–2024119453
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass1.5% next fail2019–2024119453
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass1.1% next fail2019–2024119453
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.3% next fail2019–2024119453
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–2024119453
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–2024119453
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after a pass0.0% next fail2019–2024119453
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory6.1% next fail2019–202457248
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory5.9% next fail2019–202457248
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory5.2% next fail2019–202457248
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory3.3% next fail2019–202457248
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory2.7% next fail2019–202457248
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory2.2% next fail2019–202457248
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory1.2% next fail2019–202457248
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.4% next fail2019–202457248
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202457248
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202457248
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–202457248
Brakes, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail7.5% next fail2019–202439899
Visibility, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail6.8% next fail2019–202439899
Tyres, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail5.5% next fail2019–202439899
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail5.3% next fail2019–202439899
Suspension, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail3.5% next fail2019–202439899
Body, chassis, structure, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail2.9% next fail2019–202439899
Noise, emissions and leaks, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail2.4% next fail2019–202439899
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.8% next fail2019–202439899
Steering, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.3% next fail2019–202439899
Identification of the vehicle, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.1% next fail2019–202439899
Road wheels, 6 to 8 years old, after a fail0.1% next fail2019–202439899
Brakes, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass4.7% next fail2019–202434001
Visibility, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass4.1% next fail2019–202434001
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass3.2% next fail2019–202434001
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass3.1% next fail2019–202434001
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass3.0% next fail2019–202434001
Body, chassis, structure, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass2% next fail2019–202434001
Noise, emissions and leaks, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass1.2% next fail2019–202434001
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.5% next fail2019–202434001
Steering, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.2% next fail2019–202434001
Identification of the vehicle, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.1% next fail2019–202434001
Road wheels, 9 to 11 years old, after a pass0.0% next fail2019–202434001
Brakes, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory8.2% next fail2019–202420816
Visibility, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory6.1% next fail2019–202420816
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory5.5% next fail2019–202420816
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory4.8% next fail2019–202420816
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory4.6% next fail2019–202420816
Body, chassis, structure, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory3.4% next fail2019–202420816
Noise, emissions and leaks, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory2.0% next fail2019–202420816
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory0.7% next fail2019–202420816
Steering, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory0.4% next fail2019–202420816
Identification of the vehicle, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory0.2% next fail2019–202420816
Road wheels, 9 to 11 years old, after an advisory0.1% next fail2019–202420816
Brakes, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail10.8% next fail2019–202415523
Visibility, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail7.7% next fail2019–202415523
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail7.2% next fail2019–202415523
Tyres, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail6.1% next fail2019–202415523
Suspension, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail6.0% next fail2019–202415523
Body, chassis, structure, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail4.6% next fail2019–202415523
Noise, emissions and leaks, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail3.6% next fail2019–202415523
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail1.2% next fail2019–202415523
Steering, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail0.4% next fail2019–202415523
Identification of the vehicle, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail0.2% next fail2019–202415523
Road wheels, 9 to 11 years old, after a fail0.1% next fail2019–202415523

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How often does a Volkswagen up! get a dangerous MOT defect?

The Volkswagen up! gets a dangerous defect less often than the UK average: 4.8 per 100 first tests against 11.2 across the UK. In the same tests, 17.8 major and 3.5 minor defects were recorded per 100 tests (one test can record several).

bullet · Volkswagen up! · Dangerous defects · 4.8 vs 11.2 · 2019–2024
Dangerous defects: 4.8 vs 11.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Dangerous defects4.8per 10011.22019–2024656392

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 656,392 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id; severity not recorded for some 2018–2021 tests · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Will my Volkswagen up! still pass its MOT in a few years?

First-time MOT failures for the Volkswagen up! go from 10.0% at age 3 to 26.2% at age 12, against 35.7% for all cars aged 12 (2024, n = 124,718).

line · Volkswagen up! · Age 3 · 10.0 vs 12.4 · 2024
Age 3: 10.0. Age 12: 26.2. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 310.0% failed first time12.420243116
Age 49.0% failed first time13.120243259
Age 510.0% failed first time15.120248286
Age 615.1% failed first time17.5202412885
Age 717.4% failed first time20.2202413193
Age 822.8% failed first time23.3202412789
Age 922.5% failed first time26.5202416197
Age 1022.3% failed first time30.1202420894
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1123.4% failed first time33.2202420028
Age 1226.2% failed first time35.7202413900

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How does the Volkswagen up! compare with cars of its own age and size?

At every age shown, Volkswagen up! models fail first time no more often than comparable models of the same size class; the biggest difference is at age 12, where they fail less often: 26.1% against 40.7% (2024, n = 13,902).

line · Volkswagen up! · Age 3 · 9.0 vs 10.9 · 2024
Age 3: 9.0. Age 12: 26.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 39.0% fail10.9202455902
Age 413.0% fail13.9202466769
Age 515.2% fail17.5202484352
Age 616.9% fail20.9202495800
Age 717.9% fail23.9202496593
Age 819.4% fail27.3202482989
Age 920.5% fail31.0202470440
Age 1021.8% fail34.1202454410
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1123.3% fail37.4202433872
Age 1226.1% fail40.7202413902

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volkswagen up! years should I avoid?

The Volkswagen up! build year that fails most for its age is 2016: index 116.9 (95% CI 114.9–118.9) against the model's own age norm of 100 (2019–2024, n = 76,786).

Build year matters for the Volkswagen up!: 2016 Volkswagen up! models fail more than their age would predict, 2019 ones less. Years whose confidence interval includes normal are shown without a label.

bar · Volkswagen up! · Build year 2012 · 98.7 vs 100 = normal · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Build year 201298.7index vs own age100 = normal2019–202482741
Build year 201399.3index vs own age100 = normal2019–2024118455
Build year 2014 (better for its age)97.3index vs own age100 = normal2019–2024125350
Build year 2015 (worse for its age)109.7index vs own age100 = normal2019–202497405
Build year 2016 (worse for its age)116.9index vs own age100 = normal2019–202476786
Build year 2017 (better for its age)97.7index vs own age100 = normal2019–202467903
Build year 2018 (better for its age)94.2index vs own age100 = normal2019–202451689
Build year 2019 (better for its age)71.6index vs own age100 = normal2019–202424973
Full table
Further values · 2019–2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Build year 2020 (better for its age)81.4index vs own age100 = normal2019–20246596

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How much does it cost to fix a Volkswagen up! MOT fail?

Expected repair cost per Volkswagen up! MOT: about £25 (up to about £48 if more expensive parts are needed), from the chance of failing each item and its most common UK repair price (catalogue estimate, n = 124,718).

Computed, not measured.

bar · Volkswagen up! · Expected repair bill · 25.3 vs modal price catalogue · price catalogue
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (price catalogue)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Expected repair bill25.3GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue124718
Estimated range lower25.3GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue124718
Estimated range upper48.1GBP estimatemodal price catalogueprice catalogue124718
Brakes: Front brake pads (parts + labour, typical hatchback)8.7GBP expected contribution150price catalogue124718
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment: Battery replacement (standard 12V lead-acid)4.9GBP expected contribution140price catalogue124718
Tyres: Tyre (single mid-range 16" fitted)4.3GBP expected contribution90price catalogue124718
Noise, emissions and leaks: Exhaust rear silencer3.8GBP expected contribution200price catalogue124718
Suspension: Suspension coil spring (single corner)3.6GBP expected contribution180price catalogue124718

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: price catalogue · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the Volkswagen up! more reliable than similar cars?

Of 8 similar models, 0 fail less often for their age than the Volkswagen up! and 8 as often or more. The Volkswagen up! has an MOT Risk Index of 78.5, where 100 = normal for its age (2024, n = 124,718).

bar · Volkswagen up! · Volkswagen up! (this model) · 78.5 vs 100 = normal · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Volkswagen up! (this model)78.5index100 = normal2024124718
Toyota Aygo89.3index78.52024261695
Citroen C197.5index78.52024168723
Skoda Fabia99.8index78.52024233548
Kia Picanto104.6index78.52024185577
Volkswagen Polo111.6index78.52024595422
Chevrolet Spark122.7index78.5202414723
Renault Clio136.1index78.52024323880
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Volkswagen T-Cross79.2index78.5202423830

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a Volkswagen up! normally do?

At age 8, the median Volkswagen up! had covered 39,083 miles by its MOT; the middle half ranged from 25,676 to 54,455 miles (2024, n = 12,789).

line · Volkswagen up! · Age 3 median · 14337 vs baseline · 2024
Age 3 median: 14337. Age 12 P75: 85959. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3 median14337miles20243116
Age 3 P258907miles20243116
Age 3 P7521253miles20243116
Age 4 median17645miles20243259
Age 4 P2511288miles20243259
Age 4 P7525848miles20243259
Age 5 median22614miles20248286
Age 5 P2514374miles20248286
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 5 P7533093miles20248286
Age 6 median28270miles202412885
Age 6 P2518328miles202412885
Age 6 P7540650miles202412885
Age 7 median34696miles202413193
Age 7 P2522771miles202413193
Age 7 P7548689miles202413193
Age 8 median39083miles202412789
Age 8 P2525676miles202412789
Age 8 P7554455miles202412789
Age 9 median45062miles202416197
Age 9 P2530752miles202416197
Age 9 P7561798miles202416197
Age 10 median51869miles202420894
Age 10 P2535426miles202420894
Age 10 P7570051miles202420894
Age 11 median58182miles202420028
Age 11 P2540786miles202420028
Age 11 P7577388miles202420028
Age 12 median65564miles202413900
Age 12 P2546693miles202413900
Age 12 P7585959miles202413900

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does high mileage mean more Volkswagen up! MOT failures at the same age?

At ages 6–9, 14.4% of Volkswagen up! models with under 40,000 miles failed first time, against 43.8% of those with over 140,000 miles (2024, n = 30,848). Inside this age group, higher mileage goes with more failures.

bar · Volkswagen up! · Age 3–5, <40k miles · 8.7 vs baseline · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 3–5, <40k miles8.7% failed first time202413164
Age 3–5, 40-70k miles17.7% failed first time20241324
Age 3–5, 70-100k miles (rough estimate: 120 tests, 95% interval 20.3–36.1%)27.5% failed first time2024120
Age 6–9, <40k miles14.4% failed first time202430752
Age 6–9, 40-70k miles24.4% failed first time202418956
Age 6–9, 70-100k miles31.2% failed first time20244496
Age 6–9, 100-140k miles40.7% failed first time2024739
Age 6–9, 140k+ miles (rough estimate: 96 tests, 95% interval 34.3–53.7%)43.8% failed first time202496
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 10–14, <40k miles13.2% failed first time202413859
Age 10–14, 40-70k miles22.4% failed first time202422924
Age 10–14, 70-100k miles31.4% failed first time202413261
Age 10–14, 100-140k miles38.8% failed first time20244179
Age 10–14, 140k+ miles41.3% failed first time2024576

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many miles does a Volkswagen up! last?

2.1% of Volkswagen up! models tested had reached 100,000 miles, and 0.1% had reached 150,000 (2024, n = 13,989).

line · Volkswagen up! · 100,000 miles · 2.1 vs baseline · 2024
100,000 miles: 2.1. 200,000 miles (rou: 0.0. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
100,000 miles2.1% of tested cars202413989
150,000 miles0.1% of tested cars2024967
200,000 miles (rough estimate: 95 tests, 95% interval 0.0–0.0%)0.0% of tested cars202495

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is the Volkswagen up! driven more or less than average, and does that change the picture?

Matched on annual mileage as well as age, the Volkswagen up! index is 89.3, against 75.0 on age alone (2019–2024, n = 124,718).

slope · Volkswagen up! · Age and mileage adjusted index · 89.3 vs 75 · 2019–2024
Age and mileage adjusted index: 75 vs 89.3. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age and mileage adjusted index89.3index752019–2024124718

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volkswagen up! fuel fails its MOT less?

All Volkswagen up! models tested were petrol: 20.3% failed first time (2024, n = 124,504).

bar · Volkswagen up! · Petrol · 20.3 vs other fuels · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Petrol20.3% fail first timeother fuels2024124504

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volkswagen up! engine is best?

No Volkswagen up! engine band clearly fails less or more for its age: the capacity bands are within 5 index points of each other or their 95% intervals overlap (2024, n = 124,718).

bar · Volkswagen up! · Petrol 1.0–1.2 litre (rough estimate: 1,289 tests, 95% interval 84.5–106.9) · 95.2 vs 100 = model average · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Petrol 1.0–1.2 litre (rough estimate: 1,289 tests, 95% interval 84.5–106.9)95.2index vs model norm100 = model average20241289
Petrol under 1.0 litre100index vs model norm100 = model average2024653785

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Where in Britain does the Volkswagen up! fail its MOT most?

Volkswagen up! fails first-time MOTs most in Lerwick (ZE): 30.2% against 17.4% across Britain for this model, both 2019–2024 (2024, n = 291).

First-time failure rates for the Volkswagen up! range from 13.2% to 25.4% by area, before allowing for age: a narrower spread than for the typical model.

map · Volkswagen up! · Lerwick (ZE) (rough estimate: 291 tests, 95% interval 25.2–35.7%) · 30.2 vs 20.2 · 2024
Scotland. N. England. Wales. London. S. West. % failing. 14%. 23%. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Lerwick (ZE) (rough estimate: 291 tests, 95% interval 25.2–35.7%)30.2% fail first time20.22024291
Kirkcaldy (KY)25.4% fail first time20.220244914
Aberdeen (AB)25.1% fail first time20.220245610
Southend-on-Sea (SS)13.2% fail first time20.220243420
Derby (DE)13.5% fail first time20.220248836
Romford (RM)13.7% fail first time20.220242318
Dundee (DD)24.6% fail first time20.220243876
Glasgow (G)23.5% fail first time20.2202412005
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Paisley (PA)23.5% fail first time20.220242879
Edinburgh (EH)23.1% fail first time20.2202412151
Motherwell (ML)22.6% fail first time20.220243068
Llandrindod Wells (LD) (rough estimate: 319 tests, 95% interval 18.3–27.5%)22.6% fail first time20.22024319
Falkirk (FK)22.3% fail first time20.220242786
Sunderland (SR)22.1% fail first time20.220242345
Leeds (LS)21.4% fail first time20.220248352
Bristol (BS)21.2% fail first time20.2202412812
Galashiels (TD)20.9% fail first time20.220241080
Hull (HU)20.3% fail first time20.220243490
Swansea (SA)20.1% fail first time20.220249973
Perth (PH)19.8% fail first time20.220242303
Kilmarnock (KA)19.7% fail first time20.220243840
Halifax (HX)19.7% fail first time20.220242551
Outer Hebrides (HS) (rough estimate: 219 tests, 95% interval 14.9–25.4%)19.6% fail first time20.22024219
Manchester (M)19.3% fail first time20.220247735
Truro (TR)19.3% fail first time20.220244926
Cleveland (TS)19.3% fail first time20.220244739
Ilford (IG)19.2% fail first time20.220241674
Cardiff (CF)19.1% fail first time20.2202412756
Lincoln (LN)18.9% fail first time20.220243256
Kirkwall (KW) (rough estimate: 399 tests, 95% interval 15.3–22.9%)18.8% fail first time20.22024399
Huddersfield (HD)18.6% fail first time20.220243510
London E (E)18.5% fail first time20.220242098
Gloucester (GL)18.5% fail first time20.220248617
Newport (NP)18.4% fail first time20.220245431
Inverness (IV)18.4% fail first time20.220243203
York (YO)18.3% fail first time20.220247721
Plymouth (PL)18.3% fail first time20.220246195
Guildford (GU)18.1% fail first time20.2202412125
Milton Keynes (MK)18.1% fail first time20.220245538
Luton (LU)18.0% fail first time20.220242114
Newcastle (NE)17.9% fail first time20.2202413363
Darlington (DL)17.9% fail first time20.220244492
Brighton (BN)17.9% fail first time20.2202410791
London W (W)17.9% fail first time20.220241840
Leicester (LE)17.8% fail first time20.220249157
Swindon (SN)17.8% fail first time20.220245236
Wigan (WN)17.7% fail first time20.220242695
Cambridge (CB)17.7% fail first time20.220245147
Stoke-on-Trent (ST)17.6% fail first time20.220246235
Hemel Hempstead (HP)17.5% fail first time20.220248876
Harrogate (HG)17.5% fail first time20.220242712
London SW (SW)17.5% fail first time20.220244279
Salisbury (SP)17.4% fail first time20.220243618
St Albans (AL)17.3% fail first time20.220244083
Oxford (OX)17.2% fail first time20.220249127
Blackburn (BB)17.2% fail first time20.220244258
London N (N)17.1% fail first time20.220244023
Redhill (RH)16.9% fail first time20.220249402
Stockport (SK)16.9% fail first time20.220248231
London NW (NW)16.8% fail first time20.220243442
Enfield (EN)16.8% fail first time20.220242554
Uxbridge (UB)16.8% fail first time20.220241876
Oldham (OL)16.7% fail first time20.220243652
Northampton (NN)16.7% fail first time20.220248160
Reading (RG)16.7% fail first time20.220249733
Birmingham (B)16.7% fail first time20.2202416421
Southampton (SO)16.6% fail first time20.220248116
Liverpool (L)16.5% fail first time20.220244497
Peterborough (PE)16.5% fail first time20.220249180
Taunton (TA)16.4% fail first time20.220243808
Norwich (NR)16.4% fail first time20.220249940
Warrington (WA)16.3% fail first time20.220246211
Durham (DH)16.3% fail first time20.220244603
Portsmouth (PO)16.3% fail first time20.220248385
Exeter (EX)16.3% fail first time20.220246780
Walsall (WS)16.3% fail first time20.220243689
Tonbridge (TN)16.2% fail first time20.2202411505
Bournemouth (BH)16.2% fail first time20.220247756
Ipswich (IP)16.2% fail first time20.220247475
Wakefield (WF)16.1% fail first time20.220244699
Sheffield (S)15.9% fail first time20.2202414289
Preston (PR)15.8% fail first time20.220245903
Bath (BA)15.8% fail first time20.220247297
Shrewsbury (SY)15.8% fail first time20.220244101
Crewe (CW)15.8% fail first time20.220244209
Watford (WD)15.8% fail first time20.220242553
Medway (ME)15.8% fail first time20.220246394
Bradford (BD)15.8% fail first time20.220246713
Harrow (HA)15.7% fail first time20.220242564
Lancaster (LA)15.7% fail first time20.220245491
Croydon (CR)15.7% fail first time20.220243388
Chester (CH)15.6% fail first time20.220247030
London SE (SE)15.6% fail first time20.220243613
Dartford (DA)15.5% fail first time20.220243194
Telford (TF)15.4% fail first time20.220242008
Twickenham (TW)15.4% fail first time20.220245487
Coventry (CV)15.4% fail first time20.2202410507
Canterbury (CT)15.3% fail first time20.220244405
Kingston upon Thames (KT)15.3% fail first time20.220248371
Stevenage (SG)15.3% fail first time20.220245017
Dorchester (DT)15.3% fail first time20.220243783
Torquay (TQ)15.2% fail first time20.220245044
Bromley (BR)15.2% fail first time20.220242961
Blackpool (FY)15.1% fail first time20.220242856
Nottingham (NG)15.0% fail first time20.2202414221
Bolton (BL)15.0% fail first time20.220244477
Worcester (WR)14.8% fail first time20.220245866
Colchester (CO)14.8% fail first time20.220243541
Carlisle (CA)14.8% fail first time20.220243509
Slough (SL)14.7% fail first time20.220245036
Dumfries (DG)14.7% fail first time20.220241197
Doncaster (DN)14.7% fail first time20.220245589
Hereford (HR)14.6% fail first time20.220243409
Chelmsford (CM)14.5% fail first time20.220247375
Llandudno (LL)14.5% fail first time20.220245230
Wolverhampton (WV)14.3% fail first time20.220242928
Sutton (SM)13.9% fail first time20.220241289
Dudley (DY)13.8% fail first time20.220243972

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does a Volkswagen up! rust more than average?

Allowing for age, Volkswagen up! MOTs record corrosion failures at 0.1 times the national rate: 0.06% of tests against 0.77% (2024 + geographic layers, n = 124,697).

Computed, not measured.

slope · Volkswagen up! · Salt belt susceptibility · 0.1 vs 1 · 2024 + geographic layers
Salt belt susceptibility: 1 vs 0.1. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024 + geographic layers)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Salt belt susceptibility0.1ratio estimate12024 + geographic layers124697

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 + geographic layers · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is a Volkswagen up! ULEZ compliant?

All Volkswagen up! models tested are likely ULEZ-compliant, judged from fuel type and first-use date; check a specific car with TfL's vehicle checker (2024).

Computed, not measured.

stacked · Volkswagen up! · Likely compliant · 100.0 vs baseline · 2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Likely compliant100.0% estimate2024124718

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What do six years of MOTs show about owning a Volkswagen up!?

Of failed Volkswagen up! MOTs, 57.0% were retested the same day and a further 41.6% within 10 days; the median failed car passed its retest after 0 days (2019–2024, n = 74,668).

bar · Volkswagen up! · Same-day retest · 57.0 vs failed initial tests · 2019–2024
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Same-day retest57.0%failed initial tests2019–202474668
Retest within 10 days41.6%failed initial tests2019–202474668
Clean MOT streak56.9%observed chains2019–2024118006
Repeat advisory18.3%observed chains2019–2024118006
Decreasing odometer0.8% mileage anomalyobserved chains2019–2024121920

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Is low mileage better for a Volkswagen up!?

Volkswagen up! models aged 5 to 12 doing under 5,000 miles a year failed first time in 13.7% of tests, against 26.8% for those doing 8,000 to 12,000 miles (2019–2024, n = 243,617).

bullet · Volkswagen up! · Low-use first-time failure · 13.7 vs 26.8 · 2019–2024
Low-use first-time failure: 13.7 vs 26.8. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Low-use first-time failure13.7%26.82019–2024243617
Low-use gap-13.1percentage points8–12k miles2019–2024243617

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

How many years is a Volkswagen up! likely to last?

Volkswagen up! models aged 10 are forecast to keep taking MOTs for at least 1.4 more years; the survival curve is observed only until age 12, so the true figure is likely higher.

Computed, not measured.

Forecast, not a prediction for a particular car.

bar · Volkswagen up! · Age 5 · 5.6 vs baseline · survival forecast
DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (survival forecast)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 55.6years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 8 (at least; observed only until age 12)2.6years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 10 (at least; observed only until age 12)1.4years forecastsurvival forecast0
Age 12 (at least; observed only until age 12)0.5years forecastsurvival forecast0

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: survival forecast · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volkswagen up! models are still on the road?

In 2024, for every 100 Volkswagen up! models tested at ages 4 to 6, about 17 were tested at age 12 (2024, n = 13,902).

line · Volkswagen up! · Age 3 · 67.9 vs baseline · 2024
Age 3: 67.9. Age 12: 16.9. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 367.9% of age 4–6 baseline202455902
Age 481.1% of age 4–6 baseline202466769
Age 5 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202484352
Age 6 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202495800
Age 7 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202496593
Age 8 (at least as many as at ages 4–6)100% of age 4–6 baseline202482989
Age 985.6% of age 4–6 baseline202470440
Age 1066.1% of age 4–6 baseline202454410
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1141.2% of age 4–6 baseline202433872
Age 1216.9% of age 4–6 baseline202413902

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

If a Volkswagen up! fails, does it fail again?

24% of Volkswagen up! models that failed an MOT failed the next one too, against 16.5% after a pass (2019–2024, n = 31,234). The failure most likely to come back is visibility: 27.8% of those fails recurred at the next MOT.

bullet · Volkswagen up! · Repeat after fail · 24 vs 16.5 · 2019–2024
Repeat after fail: 24 vs 16.5. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2019–2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Repeat after fail24%16.52019–202431234

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2019–2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Which Volkswagen up! faults come together?

On Volkswagen up! models, ‘body, chassis, structure’ and ‘noise, emissions and leaks’ failures turn up together 12.2 times as often as chance would predict (2024, n = 1,100).

Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Body, chassis, structure + Noise, emissions and leaks12.2liftexpected joint rate20241100
Steering + Suspension (rough estimate: 103 tests, 95% interval 7.0–10.4)8.6liftexpected joint rate2024103
Road Wheels + Tyres (rough estimate: 87 tests, 95% interval 6.5–10.0)8.1liftexpected joint rate202487
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Steering (rough estimate: 141 tests, 95% interval 6.3–8.8)7.4liftexpected joint rate2024141
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 428 tests, 95% interval 6.5–7.9)7.2liftexpected joint rate2024428
Body, chassis, structure + Steering (rough estimate: 70 tests, 95% interval 5.2–8.5)6.7liftexpected joint rate202470
Identification of the vehicle + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment (rough estimate: 127 tests, 95% interval 5.4–7.8)6.5liftexpected joint rate2024127
Brakes + Steering (rough estimate: 163 tests, 95% interval 5.2–7.2)6.1liftexpected joint rate2024163
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Body, chassis, structure + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 27 tests, 95% interval 4.0–8.9)6.1liftexpected joint rate202427
Body, chassis, structure + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment6.1liftexpected joint rate20241465
Brakes + Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment5.9liftexpected joint rate20243626
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 47 tests, 95% interval 4.3–7.8)5.8liftexpected joint rate202447
Brakes + Road Wheels (rough estimate: 60 tests, 95% interval 4.1–6.8)5.3liftexpected joint rate202460
Brakes + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 145 tests, 95% interval 4.5–6.3)5.3liftexpected joint rate2024145
Identification of the vehicle + Tyres (rough estimate: 138 tests, 95% interval 4.5–6.3)5.3liftexpected joint rate2024138
Brakes + Suspension5.3liftexpected joint rate20242053
Body, chassis, structure + Suspension5.2liftexpected joint rate2024800
Noise, emissions and leaks + Steering (rough estimate: 37 tests, 95% interval 3.7–7.2)5.2liftexpected joint rate202437
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Noise, emissions and leaks5.2liftexpected joint rate2024849
Identification of the vehicle + Suspension (rough estimate: 64 tests, 95% interval 4.0–6.6)5.2liftexpected joint rate202464
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Suspension5.1liftexpected joint rate20241423
Body, chassis, structure + Identification of the vehicle (rough estimate: 52 tests, 95% interval 3.6–6.4)4.9liftexpected joint rate202452
Body, chassis, structure + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 159 tests, 95% interval 4.1–5.7)4.8liftexpected joint rate2024159
Body, chassis, structure + Brakes4.8liftexpected joint rate20241606
Noise, emissions and leaks + Suspension (rough estimate: 485 tests, 95% interval 4.3–5.1)4.7liftexpected joint rate2024485
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Tyres4.6liftexpected joint rate20242724
Steering + Tyres (rough estimate: 115 tests, 95% interval 3.7–5.4)4.5liftexpected joint rate2024115
Brakes + Noise, emissions and leaks4.5liftexpected joint rate20241036
Brakes + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 378 tests, 95% interval 4.1–5.0)4.5liftexpected joint rate2024378
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Suspension (rough estimate: 164 tests, 95% interval 3.7–5.0)4.3liftexpected joint rate2024164
Identification of the vehicle + Visibility (rough estimate: 156 tests, 95% interval 3.6–5.0)4.3liftexpected joint rate2024156
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment + Visibility4.2liftexpected joint rate20243439
Brakes + Tyres4.1liftexpected joint rate20243397
Noise, emissions and leaks + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (rough estimate: 86 tests, 95% interval 3.1–4.8)3.9liftexpected joint rate202486
Identification of the vehicle + Noise, emissions and leaks (rough estimate: 28 tests, 95% interval 2.6–5.6)3.9liftexpected joint rate202428
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Tyres (rough estimate: 301 tests, 95% interval 3.4–4.2)3.8liftexpected joint rate2024301
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Visibility (rough estimate: 416 tests, 95% interval 3.3–4.1)3.7liftexpected joint rate2024416
Body, chassis, structure + Visibility3.4liftexpected joint rate20241566
Body, chassis, structure + Tyres3.4liftexpected joint rate20241093
Road Wheels + Visibility (rough estimate: 51 tests, 95% interval 2.5–4.4)3.4liftexpected joint rate202451
Tyres + Visibility3.3liftexpected joint rate20243601
Brakes + Visibility3.1liftexpected joint rate20243655
Steering + Visibility (rough estimate: 107 tests, 95% interval 2.5–3.6)3.0liftexpected joint rate2024107
Suspension + Tyres2.9liftexpected joint rate20241090
Noise, emissions and leaks + Tyres2.7liftexpected joint rate2024584
Suspension + Visibility2.6liftexpected joint rate20241372
Noise, emissions and leaks + Visibility2.4liftexpected joint rate2024742
Road Wheels + Suspension (seen together; too few for a multiplier)18tests with both202418
Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems + Steering (seen together; too few for a multiplier)17tests with both202417
Identification of the vehicle + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (seen together; too few for a multiplier)14tests with both202414
Road Wheels + Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems (seen together; too few for a multiplier)11tests with both202411
Noise, emissions and leaks + Road Wheels (seen together; too few for a multiplier)11tests with both202411
Identification of the vehicle + Steering (seen together; too few for a multiplier)5tests with both20245

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Has the Volkswagen up! had safety recalls?

DVSA lists 8 safety recall campaigns matched to the Volkswagen up!; check whether yours has been fixed, using its registration number.

Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (DVSA register)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
DVSA recall campaigns matched8campaignsDVSA registerDVSA register124718

Source: DVSA register; recall effect covers 11 of 761 models · Window: DVSA register · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

What does a Volkswagen up! cost to run in a fleet?

Of every 100 Volkswagen up! models tested at age 5, about 10 failed the MOT first time; at age 10, about 22. These are one-year rates for different cars tested in the same year, not a fleet followed over time; the steepest one-year step in this cross-section is between cars aged 7 and 8, 5.46 percentage points (2024).

Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 310.0% fail first time20243116
Age 49.1% fail first time20243259
Age 510.0% fail first time20248286
Age 615.1% fail first time202412885
Age 717.4% fail first time202413193
Age 822.8% fail first time202412789
Age 922.5% fail first time202416197
Age 1022.3% fail first time202420894
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Age 1123.4% fail first time202420028
Age 1226.2% fail first time202413900

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Does the Volkswagen up! fail inspections in other countries too?

In the Netherlands, 39.5% of Volkswagen up! models failed their periodic roadworthiness inspection, against 50.8% for all cars there (2024 by country, n = 91,448 inspections).

Inspections abroad point the same way: in Norway, Finland and the Netherlands the Volkswagen up! also fails less often than the national average.

bullet · Volkswagen up! · Norway · 30.3 vs 33.7 · 2024 by country
Norway: 30.3 vs 33.7. Finland: 14.2 vs 26.3. Netherlands: 39.5 vs 50.8. Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024 by country)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
Norway30.3% failed33.72024 by country11768
Finland14.2% failed26.32024 by country1925
Netherlands39.5% failed50.82024 by country91448

Source: Statens vegvesen PKK (CC BY 4.0), Traficom Katsastus (CC BY 4.0), RDW APK (CC0), adapted; covers 430 of 761 models · Window: 2024 by country · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV · licences and full notice

Does the month of a Volkswagen up! MOT matter?

Volkswagen up! models fail first time most in October (18.4%, against 30.3% for all cars that month) and least in June (16.3%) (2024, n = 124,718).

line · Volkswagen up! · January · 17.8 vs 31.1 · 2024
January: 17.8. December: 17.7. DVSA MOT bulk data, 24 Sep 2026.
Volkswagen up!: the numbers behind this answer (2024)
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
January17.8% fail first time31.1202449442
February17.2% fail first time30.0202452192
March16.5% fail first time28.3202475024
April17.9% fail first time29.8202435086
May17.7% fail first time28.8202440131
June16.3% fail first time28.1202454780
July17.9% fail first time29.3202451788
August17.5% fail first time29.2202457515
Full table
Further values · 2024
MeasureValueUnitCompared withYearsTests
September16.4% fail first time28.2202476962
October18.4% fail first time30.3202462299
November18.1% fail first time30.6202455446
December17.7% fail first time29.3202445727

Source: DVSA MOT bulk data · Window: 2024 · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

Not enough tests for… (and why)

What have dealers been told about the Volkswagen up!? (US market)

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 211 of 761 models). 124,718 initial Volkswagen up! tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: NHTSA, US market; covers 211 of 761 models · Window: NHTSA · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: one initial test per test_id · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Volkswagen Polo, a car of the same inspection class with 4.8× the tests · Check your car by registration

Real-world MPG against the official figure (manufacturer level)

layer not yet computed for this model (covers 19 of 761 models). 124,718 initial Volkswagen up! tests are in the published model cohort.

Source: European Commission OBFCM; covers 19 of 761 models · Window: 2021+ cohorts · n = 124,718 (initial tests) · Method: computed estimate, not measured · Updated: 24 Sep 2026 · Release: dvsa-2024-v2 · CSV

See the Volkswagen Polo, a car of the same inspection class with 4.8× the tests · Check your car by registration

How to cite this page

MOT Risk Index (2026). Volkswagen up! MOT statistics 2024 (data release dvsa-2024-v2; full dataset motriskindex-families-2024-v5, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.22975051), updated 24 September 2026. motriskindex.co.uk/cars/volkswagen-up/

How the MOT Risk Index and every figure on this page are calculated: methodology.

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Volkswagen up! MOT: quick answers

What is the Volkswagen up! first-time MOT pass rate?

79.8% of first attempts passed in 2024 (124,718 tests). Retests after repair are excluded; cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) are shown separately.

Why does this number differ from other sites?

Other sites may count retests or all attempts. This page uses 124,718 primary tests: 20.24% failed first time and 84.8% passed when cars fixed at the test centre (PRS) count as passes. The age-adjusted MOT Risk Index 78.5 is shown separately.