VW Up Wiper System Failure: Repair Tips & Solutions

I had a similar issue with my 2020 VW Polo last winter. Speaking from moderate experience with electrical problems, it turned out to be a faulty wiring harness connection near the steering column. The symptoms were identical, complete wiper blade failure and unresponsive controls. After checking the basic stuff like fuses, I took it to my regular workshop. They diagnosed a loose connection in the wiring that controls both the car wipers and turn signal functions. The repair involved accessing and replacing a section of the wiring harness where it connects to the multifunction switch. Total cost was 95€ including diagnostic time and parts. The job took about 2 hours to complete. Before suggesting specific fixes for your Up, could you share: Does the malfunction affect other steering column controls like cruise control? Are there any other electrical issues present? Have you noticed any intermittent function, or was it a sudden complete failure? What error code is showing specifically? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or points to a different component entirely.

After the latest 85000km service, started having this exact same issue. The wiper motor completely died one morning without warning. The service center found a corroded wiring harness connection where water had leaked through the steering column seal. The repair involved replacing both the damaged wiring section and the wiper motor assembly since moisture had caused internal damage. Total repair costs came to 320€. Would recommend checking for any water intrusion points around your steering column area, as this seems to be a known weak spot. My turn signal switch remained functional throughout, which helped narrow down the problem to the wiper circuit specifically. If your warning light is showing, have them scan for codes first, could save diagnostic time and costs.

Thanks for the additional details about the water damage, that really helps explain the complete wiper motor failure in your case. When I encountered my wiring issue, I was actually lucky to catch it before any moisture caused permanent damage to the motor components. Since both our VW models share similar wiper system designs, water intrusion through the steering column seal is definitely a critical point to check. My repair bill was lower mainly because we caught it before the windshield wipers motor got affected. For anyone following this thread, these symptoms (unresponsive wiper blade movement, error codes, but functional turn signals) typically point to either: Corroded wiring connections, Failed wiper switch assembly, Damaged wiper motor The key is getting it diagnosed early. In my case, the wiring harness repair alone solved the issue. But as your experience shows, letting moisture spread can lead to more extensive damage and higher repair costs. Did your service center mention if they applied any additional waterproofing to prevent future water intrusion through that steering column seal?

Thanks for asking about the waterproofing. Yes, the service center applied a special sealant around the steering column area and installed an improved rubber grommet designed to better protect the wiring harness from moisture. They mentioned this was actually a technical service bulletin update for our model. For anyone dealing with similar rain sensor or wiper motor problems, getting this seal upgrade is crucial even if you havent had issues yet. The technician showed me how the original seal design could let water track down the steering column and pool right where the wiper control wiring runs. Since the repair and seal upgrade 6 months ago, the car wipers have worked flawlessly even during heavy rain. The investment in proper waterproofing definitely seems worth it to prevent another complete system failure. My advice is to not wait until you have error codes, if your VW is approaching higher mileage, consider having the seals inspected during your next service. What initially seemed like a frustrating issue turned out to be a known problem with a proper fix. While 320€ wasnt cheap, it beats having to replace multiple electrical components if water damage spreads through the system.