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VOLKSWAGEN LUPO Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 781 MOT tests from 37 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every VOLKSWAGEN LUPO has the same fault.

VOLKSWAGEN LUPO's have a average reliability rating of 464/999. The score was calculated from the average of every VOLKSWAGEN LUPO that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, fuel economy, and CO2 emissions for the VOLKSWAGEN LUPO.

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VOLKSWAGEN LUPO side viewVOLKSWAGEN LUPO (example)
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Check a Volkswagen Lupo before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Volkswagen Lupo side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A468/999Average86,208 miles692 vehicles
N/AN/A467/999Average76,347 miles2,282 vehicles
N/AN/A458/999Average78,744 miles1,769 vehicles

How reliable is the VOLKSWAGEN LUPO?

Based on 781 MOT tests from 37 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

37

MOT tests

781

Pass rate

78%

Median mileage

83,125 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every VOLKSWAGEN LUPO has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 550 out of 999.

Common VOLKSWAGEN LUPO MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 75 advisory comments and 15 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Suspension arm issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 33 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn, corroded, or damaged suspension arm or its pin.

What to inspect

Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT SUSPENSION ARM RUBBER BUSH DETERIORATED BUT NOT RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE MOVEMENT (2.4.G.2)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 28 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 23 advisory comments and 4 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR COIL SPRING CORRODED (2.4.C.1B)

Exhaust

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 advisory comments and 5 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record exhaust leaks, insecurity, or other exhaust defects found at inspection.

What to inspect

Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST HAS A MINOR LEAK OF EXHAUST GASES (6.1.2 (A))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 14 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (3.5.1I)

Lambda sensor issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a lambda sensor reading or defect noted at the test.

What to inspect

Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS LAMBDA READING AFTER 2ND FAST IDLE OUTSIDE SPECIFIED LIMITS (7.3.D.3)

Registration plate condition

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a number plate that was deteriorated, insecure, or did not meet the plate rules.

What to inspect

Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Example MOT wording: FRONT REGISTRATION PLATE DETERIORATED BUT NOT LIKELY TO BE MISREAD (0.1 (B))

VOLKSWAGEN LUPO MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

YearVehiclesMOT testsPass rateRecurring issues seen
200459273.9%Tyre wear, Lamp and bulb faults
20021023076.1%Tyre wear, Registration plate condition
2001816778.4%Suspension arm issues, Tyre wear
2000512676.2%Tyre wear, Anti-roll bar issues

What to check when buying a used VOLKSWAGEN LUPO

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Suspension arm issues. Look for play or corrosion at the arm and ask whether it has been replaced.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

  • Exhaust. Listen for blowing from the exhaust and look for corrosion or loose mounts.

  • Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

  • Lambda sensor issues. Ask whether a sensor or emissions fault has been diagnosed since the test.

  • Registration plate condition. Check both plates are secure, clean, and clearly readable.

Buying a VOLKSWAGEN LUPO?

Common problems tell you what can affect VOLKSWAGEN LUPOs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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