It could be a fault, but it could just be that the system is configured so that upstairs is an optional addition to downstairs. In the latter configuration, the downstairs thermostat would be controlling the boiler, and the upstairs thermostat would control a valve. That sort of arrangement would mean that you could set the upstairs to switch off at a lower temperature than downstairs, but never higher, and you could never have the upstairs on without the downstairs. Might sound odd, but most people would prefer the upstairs lower, or off even, most of the time to conserve energy.