VW Up Exhaust Flap Issue: Symptoms & Fixes Guide

Having some experience with exhaust system repairs, I faced a similar issue with my 2017 VW Polo. The symptoms were nearly identical, loud exhaust noise and error codes related to exhaust flap malfunction. The workshop diagnosed a faulty exhaust flap actuator, which is a common wear point in these exhaust components. They initially checked the exhaust valves and complete exhaust system for any blockage, but ultimately found the actuator had failed electronically. The repair involved replacing the actuator unit and recalibrating the exhaust flap control system. Total cost was 190€ including parts and labor. Since the repair, the exhaust noise returned to normal levels and the error codes cleared completely. Before suggesting specific solutions for your Up, it would help to know: Current mileage on your vehicle, Whether you notice the noise mainly when cold or also during normal driving, If you see any visible damage to exhaust components, The specific error code stored in your system, Any modifications to the exhaust system This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if other exhaust system components might be involved.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Up has 95823km and just had its service last month. After your post, I carefully checked the exhaust components near the flap motor area but found no visible damage. The exhaust noise is most noticeable during cold starts and persists during normal driving, though less intensely. Based on what you described, it sounds like my issue closely matches your experience with the faulty exhaust flap actuator. The 190€ repair cost seems reasonable if it completely resolves the exhaust noise. Before booking a repair, I will have the workshop verify whether the actuator is indeed the culprit and check for any exhaust blockage that might be contributing to the problem.

Thanks for the additional details about your Up. After fixing the exhaust flap actuator on my Polo, I monitored the engine performance closely for several months. The repair proved to be a lasting solution, no recurring issues with the exhaust system or error codes since then. Since your mileage is similar to what mine was when the problem occurred, and the symptoms match exactly, I strongly suspect you are dealing with the same actuator failure. The cold start noise is particularly telling, as this is when the exhaust flaps should be actively adjusting. Make sure the workshop performs a complete diagnostic of the exhaust flap control system. In my case, they initially only checked the mechanical components, but the electronic testing revealed the true cause. The actuator replacement restored proper flap operation and eliminated all the unusual exhaust noise. Keep in mind that a blocked catalytic converter can sometimes cause similar symptoms, so having them check the entire exhaust flow during diagnosis is worthwhile. In most cases though, when cold start noise is combined with flap-related error codes, the actuator is the primary culprit.

That's good information about the diagnostic process. I'll definitely ask the workshop to check both the electronic and mechanical aspects of the exhaust system. My main concern was that this might require extensive exhaust repair work, but replacing just the actuator sounds much more manageable. I will book the car in next week and request they specifically examine the exhaust flap actuator and test for any exhaust flow restrictions. The consistent cold start noise matches exactly what you experienced, so I am fairly confident this will fix my issue. Thanks for explaining how the repair worked out long-term on your vehicle. It is reassuring to know that once fixed, the exhaust noise problem did not return. I will update the forum once I have the repair completed to confirm whether the actuator replacement resolved my symptoms as well.