Common problems by part
Volkswagen Up steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 71,930 MOT tests · Updated
At 10 years, 0.2 in 100 MOT tests of the Volkswagen Up failed on steering, against 2.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 71,930 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: fails less often than all class 4 vehicles the same age (0.1× (0.07–0.10×)) (all test years), 130 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 11 ages from 3 to 13 years, 501,026 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 10 years: 71,930 for the Volkswagen Up
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
0.2 fails per 100 MOT tests at 10 years, against 2.1 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 10 (all test years). The Volkswagen Up fails less often here.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
Volkswagen Up steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 19,720 | 0.0 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 29,251 | 0.0 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 37,978 | 0.0 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 47,381 | 0.1 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 55,377 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 63,872 | 0.1 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 70,828 | 0.2 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 71,930 | 0.2 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 56,179 | 0.2 | 2.5 |
| 12 | 34,619 | 0.3 | 2.8 |
| 13 | 13,891 | 0.4 | 2.9 |
All first-use years of the Volkswagen Up pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years.
What fails in the steering at 10 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 2.1 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 1.3. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
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- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Play in steering rack inner joint(s).
Check one Volkswagen Up, not the average
The figures here describe Volkswagen Up cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Volkswagen Up's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Volkswagen Up problems
- Volkswagen Up suspension problems
- Volkswagen Up brakes problems
- Volkswagen Up lights and electrics problems
- Volkswagen Up body and structure problems
- Volkswagen Up exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Volkswagen Up windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Volkswagen Up tyres problems
- Volkswagen Up road wheels problems
Steering on rival models
- Hyundai i10 steering problems: 0.8 per 100 MOT tests at 10 years, against 0.2 for the Volkswagen Up (87,353 MOT tests)
- Ford Ka steering problems: 1.1 per 100 MOT tests at 10 years, against 0.2 for the Volkswagen Up (67,956 MOT tests)
- Kia Picanto steering problems: 0.6 per 100 MOT tests at 10 years, against 0.2 for the Volkswagen Up (54,834 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Volkswagen Up have more steering problems than other cars?
0.07 to 0.10 times the steering fail rate of all class 4 vehicles the same age at 10 years (all test years), from 71,930 MOT tests. The interval is clear of 0.8 in the same direction at 4 of the 11 ages seen (ages up to 18 with at least 100 MOT tests with a fail).
How common are Volkswagen Up steering problems?
0.2 in 100 MOT tests at 10 years failed on steering, against 2.1 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 71,930 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 501,026 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare