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Top issues
2 known problems · 1 high
high
V6 Lion camshaft sprocket recall
3.0L V6 Lion (turbo diesel)
low
Software / electronics teething
2.0L Bi-Turbo (twin-turbo diesel)
Recalls
2 on recordREC-006441
2025-09-30
Defect: A software issue may cause the electromechanical brake servo control unit to switch off.
Hazard: Braking assistance may be reduced, requiring greater pedal force to stop the vehicle.
Remedy: Contact an authorised Volkswagen dealer for a free software update.
Affected: 646 units, Amarok 2025
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
REC-006190
2024-11-26
Defect: The driver's seat belt may have been incorrectly anchored during assembly.
Hazard: An incorrectly anchored seat belt may not restrain the occupant as intended in a collision.
Remedy: Contact an authorised Volkswagen dealer for inspection and correction, free of charge.
Affected: 701 units, Amarok 2023-2024
Official notice: www.vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 2026-09-30
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 →
Before: VW Amarok 2H (2011-2022) →
Price (AUD)
$55-90k
Body styles
Single Cab, Extra Cab, Dual Cab
Drivetrain
RWD, 4WD part-time
Origin
Australia
Built in
South Africa
Overview
Built on the Ford Ranger Next-Gen P703 platform under the Ford-VW commercial vehicle partnership. Mechanically identical to the Ranger Next-Gen — same 2.0 Bi-Turbo and 3.0L V6 Lion engines, same 10-speed auto, same chassis. VW interior touches and styling differentiate it. Built in Silverton, South Africa (the only Ford Ranger plant outside Thailand). Shares the V6 camshaft sprocket recall with the Ranger.
Engines & variants
2.0L Bi-Turbo (twin-turbo diesel)
Engine
Bi-turbo diesel
Engine code
Config
I4 turbo
Displacement
2.0L
Power
154kW
Torque
500Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~10s
Economy
~7.6 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
10AT (10R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, known weak point — see problems
Pros
- Best fuel economy in the range
- 10-speed auto inherited from Ranger
- VW interior treatment vs Ranger
- Same proven mechanicals as Ranger
Cons
- Same timing chain risk as Ranger 2.0
- VW pricing premium over equivalent Ranger
- Software teething shared with Ranger
Known problems
low
Software / electronics teething
Same Next-Gen software issues.
Fix: Dealer updates over time.
3.0L V6 Lion (turbo diesel)
Engine
V6 turbo diesel
Config
V6
Displacement
3.0L
Power
184kW
Torque
600Nm
Drivetrain
RWD / Part-time 4WD
0–100
~8s
Economy
~8.4 L/100km combined
Tow (braked)
3500kg
Tow (unbraked)
750kg
Transmission
10AT (10R80)
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven, inspect from 100,000km
Pros
- 600Nm — segment-leading torque
- VW interior treatment
- 10-speed auto matched well to the torque curve
- Same Lion V6 as Ranger and US Bronco
Cons
- Camshaft sprocket recall (verify completion)
- V6 misfire issues on some early units
- Premium pricing over Ranger equivalent
- AdBlue/SCR adds complexity
Known problems
high
V6 Lion camshaft sprocket recall
Shares the recall with Ranger/Everest. Cam sprocket can fracture.
Fix: Verify recall completed via VIN at VW dealer.