Electric · 2011–2023
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Volkswagen Up!All about the Electric (VW group MEB / e-up!) engine
The Electric (VW group MEB / e-up!) engine was fitted to the Volkswagen Up! (2011–2023). In the EU that is 10.1 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 83 hp, 82 hp.
The most expensive known risk is weak footbrake and parking brake effect at inspection: it usually appears at 40,000–200,000 km and costs €100–400 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Usually none; some cars show reduced range or a yellow drive-battery warning, with a rare risk of overheating
Fix: Ask a dealer to check by VIN that the recall is done: software update, inspection, and replacement of modules that are out of specification
Signs: Car is dead or will not switch on after a few days parked; screens reboot or freeze
Fix: Install the current ID software (3.x or newer) and have the quiescent current measured; replace the 12V battery only if it was deeply discharged
Signs: Drive power cuts out while driving, warning on the dash; steering and brakes keep working
Fix: Ask a dealer to check by VIN that the battery management and pulse inverter software updates are installed
Signs: Whistle or hum from the rear drive unit, or jerks when pulling away
Fix: Software update for motor control and inverter first; inspect the drive unit only if the noise stays
Signs: Range about 5-10 % below new; less in winter
Fix: Normal; check the battery state of health before buying. VW covers the battery for 8 years / 160,000 km against falling below 70 %
Signs: Uneven or weak braking on the test bench, handbrake holds poorly; rates climb clearly from about year 8.
Fix: Before inspection have the rear brakes cleaned, adjusted and checked for seized parts and the handbrake cable checked; replace only what is worn or stuck.
Signs: Blown bulbs or badly aimed low beam found at inspection; daytime running light bulbs burn out more often than usual.
Fix: Check all bulbs and headlight aim before inspection; replace bulbs and adjust the headlights.
Signs: Play or knocking in the steering, inspection note on steering joints; mostly on cars 10+ years old.
Fix: Replace the worn track-rod ends or inner joints and do a wheel alignment.
Signs: Surface rust under the car, corroded exhaust hangers, rattling from underneath at idle or over bumps.
Fix: Treat and seal the underbody, replace rusty exhaust hangers and re-fix or replace loose heat shields.
Signs: A door does not lock or unlock with the remote, or the lock is stiff.
Fix: Clean and lubricate the lock first; if the central-locking motor is dead, replace the door lock unit.
Signs: No warning; a wrong igniter mixture can stop the driver or passenger airbag or a belt pretensioner from deploying in a crash.
Fix: Check the VIN for the 2017 campaign; the dealer replaces the airbag unit and/or the belt with pretensioner free of charge.
Signs: No warning; a broken child-lock lever lets the rear door be opened from inside although the lock is set.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open recall; the dealer checks the child lock in both rear door locks free of charge.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Won't select a gear, 'gearbox fault', jerky shifts
Fix: Repair or replace the actuator; clutch re-learn
Signs: Slipping, harsh engagement
Fix: Replace clutch + re-learn
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,050–4,300. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Volkswagen Up! with the Electric (VW group MEB / e-up!) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Tyre rotationWheels | every 10,000 km | €20–45 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Drive unit oil checkTransmission | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Brake pads (regen-assisted)Brakes | usually at 80,000–160,000 km | €60–150 |
| Tyres (set of 4, EV-rated)Wheels | usually at 30,000–50,000 km | €450–900 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric61 kW (83 hp) | 8.6 % | 2019–2023 | — | — |
| Electric60 kW (82 hp) | 1.1 % | 2013–2021 | — | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (8). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: weak footbrake and parking brake effect at inspection (40,000–200,000 km, €100–400); worn steering joints on older cars (120,000–250,000 km, €100–300).
1.0 MPI (EA211: CHYA / CWVA)1.0 / 1.2 / 1.4 / 1.5 TSI (EA211)
Škoda Enyaq 2020–Volkswagen ID.4 2020–Audi Q4 e-tron 2021–Volkswagen ID.3 2020–Škoda Elroq 2024–Volkswagen ID.7 2023–SEAT Mii 2011–2021Volkswagen ID.5 2021–
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026