VW Up ABS Sensor Failure Disrupts Safety Systems

I had this exact same issue with my 2021 VW Polo last winter. With moderate experience working on cars, I initially tried checking the basic connections and cleaning the sensors, but quickly realized this needed professional attention. The symptoms were identical, ABS warning light, traction control malfunction, and vehicle stability systems completely offline. The workshop diagnosed a faulty electronic control unit that was affecting multiple safety systems including the steering angle sensors. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Replacement of the ABS control unit, Recalibration of all affected systems, Testing of wheel alignment and sensor functions Total cost was 1000€ and took about 2 days to complete. The traction control and stability systems worked flawlessly after the repair. To provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: Has the car been in any accidents? Did the issue start suddenly or gradually? Are there any unusual noises when braking? Have you noticed any steering issues? This information would help determine if your Up is experiencing the same root cause as my Polo did.

Thank you for sharing your experience. My vehicle recently had its 80000km service. Like yours, my issue appeared suddenly without any prior accidents or unusual noises. The electronic stability and traction control warnings came on simultaneously during normal driving. The yaw rate sensor readings seem inconsistent according to the diagnostic scan. I have not noticed any steering issues, and the braking feels normal despite the ABS warning. The vehicle stability system being offline is my main concern, especially since the car is still relatively new with 86053km. Before booking a workshop appointment, are there specific diagnostic codes I should look out for to better understand if this requires a full sensor replacement?

Thanks for those details. The symptoms you describe are remarkably similar to what I experienced with my Polo. The sudden onset of warnings and the connection between the lateral sensor and electronic stability systems points to a comparable issue. When my car showed these symptoms, the diagnostic codes indicated a G85 fault related to the steering angle sensor communication. Like yours, my ABS warning coincided with stability control failures despite normal brake feel. Key points from my experience: The workshop scan revealed the lateral sensor was providing incorrect data to the electronic control unit, Basic sensor cleaning and recalibration attempts did not resolve the issue, The fault required a complete sensor replacement and system reprogramming Important diagnostic codes to watch for: C1030 (lateral acceleration sensor circuit), G85 (steering angle sensor correlation), C1280 (yaw rate sensor signal) These codes often indicate whether a simple recalibration might work or if you need a full sensor replacement like I did. Given your mileage and the sudden onset, I suspect youll need similar repairs to what my car required. I strongly recommend not delaying the repair since the wheel alignment and electronic stability systems are crucial safety features. The total repair time was about 2 days and cost around 1000€ in my case.

Based on your feedback and experience with a similar issue, I understand this likely requires professional attention. The simultaneous failure of ABS and stability systems, combined with the yaw rate sensor readings showing inconsistencies, suggests a problem beyond simple recalibration. The diagnostic codes you mentioned are helpful. My scan shows the C1030 code for the lateral acceleration sensor circuit, which matches your experience. The fact that this occurred right after the 80000km service could be relevant, though possibly coincidental. Since the steering feels normal and theres no unusual brake behavior, I will focus the workshop visit on the sensor system rather than a full brake system inspection. Your repair timeline of 2 days and approximate cost of 1000€ helps set realistic expectations. I will schedule a workshop appointment this week, given the safety implications of driving without proper traction control and stability systems. The diagnostic scan information will be useful to share with the technicians. Thanks for helping me understand the likely scope of repairs needed.