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Volkswagen

Amarok

2H· 2011-2022 ute Top pick

Top issues

6 known problems · 3 high
high
Timing chain tensioner failure
2.0L Bi-TDI (twin-turbo diesel)
From 100-180k km · ~$3000-6000
high
DPF regen failure
2.0L Bi-TDI (twin-turbo diesel)
Any · ~$1500-4000
high
High-pressure fuel pump failure
3.0L V6 TDI
From 100k+ km · ~$2000-3500
All 6 problems ↓ Inspection checklist →

Recalls

3 on record
REC-001367 2013-11-19
Defect: Fuel pipes were incorrectly positioned during production, which combined with engine-bay vibration may lead to chafing or cracks.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Volkswagen dealer for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Affected: 17,230 units
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
REC-001391 2018-01-03
Defect: A clip fitted incorrectly during production may damage the power steering return hose.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Volkswagen dealer for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Affected: 6,328 units, 2016-2018
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29
REC-001400 2021-03-10
Defect: The cable for the spare wheel winch could be weakened and snap under certain conditions.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Volkswagen dealer for inspection and repair, free of charge.
Affected: 19,936 units, 2016-2019
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-29

Check a specific car by VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

At this odometer

See which of this car's known problems are due at that mileage, which should already have been dealt with, and what's coming up.

Generations

Best and worst years for the Volkswagen Amarok →

Price (AUD)
$15k-$65k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Germany
Built in
Argentina

Overview

First-generation Amarok, designed in Germany and built in Pacheco, Argentina. The 8-speed ZF auto behind both engines is one of the best gearboxes ever fitted to a ute. The 2.0 Bi-TDI is highly stressed for the chassis weight and the timing chain tensioner is the headline weakness. The 3.0L V6 TDI added from 2017 transformed the platform — 550-580Nm with overboost, sub-8s 0-100, genuinely refined tow weapon. Service costs are European-tier and DSG/ZF specialists with VAG-COM tooling are needed for diagnostic work.

Engines & variants

2.0L Bi-TDI (twin-turbo diesel)

Engine
Twin-turbo
Engine code
CSHA
Config
I4
Displacement
2.0L
Power
132kW
Torque
420Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10.7s
Economy
~7.6 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000-3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
6MT, 8AT (ZF 8HP)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, known weak point — see problems

Pros

  • European refinement
  • 8-speed ZF auto excellent
  • Wide tray
  • Surprisingly efficient
  • Strong chassis

Cons

  • 2.0 highly stressed for the weight
  • Timing chain tensioner issues
  • Expensive to service
  • VAG-COM tooling needed

Known problems

high
Timing chain tensioner failure
Tensioner fails, chain skips or snaps. Catastrophic - bent valves, dead engine.
Fix: Preventive chain kit replacement at major service.
From 100-180k km · ~$3000-6000
high
DPF regen failure
DPF struggles with city driving.
Fix: Long highway drives. Force regen via VAG-COM.
Any · ~$1500-4000
medium
EGR carbon and cooler
Intake and EGR cooler carbon up.
Fix: Intake clean, EGR cooler replacement.
From 100k+ km · ~$800-1800

3.0L V6 TDI

Engine
V6
Engine code
DDXE
Config
I6
Displacement
3.0L
Power
165-190kW
Torque
550-580Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~7.6s
Economy
~9.0 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3000-3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
8AT (ZF 8HP)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 200,000km+

Pros

  • Effortless towing - 550-580Nm
  • Refined V6 character
  • Overboost feature
  • Best on-road manners in segment
  • Sub-8s 0-100
  • Holds value well

Cons

  • Pricey to buy and service
  • Carbon buildup on intake
  • Repairs costly out of warranty

Known problems

medium
Intake valve carbon buildup
VAG direct-injection - carbon on intake valves.
Fix: Walnut blast every 80-100k. Catch can helps.
From 80k+ km · ~$1000-1800
high
High-pressure fuel pump failure
HPFP fails with fuel quality issues.
Fix: Pump replacement. Use clean diesel, additional filter.
From 100k+ km · ~$2000-3500
medium
AdBlue/SCR system faults
AdBlue heater, NOx sensor failures.
Fix: Sensor or injector replacement.
From 60k+ km · ~$500-1500
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