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The Volkswagen Amarok has proven to be one of the most popular utes amongst many others like the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Mitsubishi Triton. It is, without a doubt, a great working vehicle with just the right touch of luxury. In typical Volkswagen fashion, the extra bit of luxury does well to set it apart from its counterparts.
As they are a popular vehicles, certain common issues have been highlighted over time. To learn more about the problems associated with the VW Amarok, let’s dive deeper into the vehicle’s design and some of its flaws.
At SRP we stock a large range of the highest quality reconditioned and new automotive parts. Our parts are precisely reconditioned or manufactured to meet quality standards. You can also buy with confidence knowing that certification has taken place where needed. Browse our VW products now.Â
With that out the way, let’s dive in.Â
Is the Volkswagen Amarok Reliable?
Overall, yes, Volkswagen Amaroks are a reliable, fun car to drive. As a European vehicle, they can be somewhat expensive to maintain and repair in Australia, however, many owners believe the quality and power of an Amarok are well worth the higher costs.Â
When you’re already used to driving a regular car, driving a Volkswagen Amarok for the first time will feel like a huge step up. Its driving position gives you an excellent road view, making it much easier to navigate around any obstacles. The VW Amarok has been designed to work as a powerhouse, offering an intense, visceral driving experience even compared to other modern utes. The VW Amarok was designed for a working life.Â
Common VW Amarok Problems
#1. Amarok EGR Valve Function
This first issue to look at is the failure of the EGR valve on the VW Amarok. EGR stands for Exhaust Gas Recirculation and is designed to feed a specific amount of unburned exhaust fumes back into the engine to reduce nitrogen emissions.
Failures of this valve have been reported as being relatively common in Amaroks and should be looked at whenever you get the car serviced.Â
#2. Volkswagen Amarok DPF Failure
The diesel trims of the Amarok have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF), which can sometimes fail. The DPF is an essential part of any diesel car as it helps to filter toxic particles from exhaust emissions.Â
DPFs need regular replacement and Amarok DPFs have been known to fail slightly more commonly than others.Â
#3. Amarok Water Pump Issues
Another essential engine component in any vehicle is the water pump. These pumps help move coolant through the engine, ensuring it maintains a constant, optimum temperature. If the water pump doesn’t function correctly, the engine will overheat, which can cause extensive damage to the vehicle.Â
Carrying out a regular check on the health of the water pump is a great way to avoid any further damage. Some signs of a bad water pump include overheating, coolant leaks, whining noises, corrosion on the pump itself, and excessive steam.
A good water pump should be able to last 10 years or more. However, water pump failure does happen and is something that can be caught early for example if your mechanic notices any premature corrosion. It is ideal to find out how long it will take before an issue can develop.Â
#4 Amarok Drive/Serpentine Belt Failure
Another common issue with the turbo diesel Amarok is a failure of the drive belt – and this can cause extensive, catastrophic damage to the engine. Whilst the drive belt should be changed every 75,000kms, there have been reports of the Amarok’s drive belt failing earlier than this.Â
The drive belt is the mechanical component that provides power to your cars electrics, such as the alternator, A/C, water pump, etc., and so damage to this belt will leave your vehicle in an undriveable state. Prior to 2012, when the driving belt would snap, it could then interfere with the timing belt, and lead to even more damage to the engine. Since then, they’ve added a cover to the timing belt, which has added an extra layer of protection if the drive belt were to snap.Â
Be sure to have your drive belt inspected regularly in order to avoid any costly repairs!
VW Amarok Reliability
If you’re wondering about the Amarok’s reliability, know that although it may not feature in some of the most recent Driver Power customer satisfaction surveys, VW ranked 17 out of 29 manufacturers last year, essentially meaning that it is of middling reliability – which isn’t such a bad thing considering the quality of cars built nowadays.Â
The Amarok speaks quality inside and out and has been built to withstand a working lifestyle. Volkswagen’s 5 year, unlimited KM warranty should be quite reassuring and give any prospective owner peace of mind.Â
So if you’re after a working car with a luxurious flair and great performance, then the VW Amarok is the right car for you.Â
We Stock All Your Replacement VW Parts
Volkswagen is well known for its build quality, driveability, luxurious interiors, and refinement. The Amarok doesn’t just check all these boxes but it goes even further. While not the most reliable, it is a vehicle that can give you a lot of life if cared for properly.Â
Like every vehicle, the Amarok is not perfect and will have issues that crop up from time to time for you to take care of. However, if taken care of early on, you will have a tough, smart pickup truck to last for years to come. Visit SRP for all the essential VW replacement parts you need to keep your VW Amarok functioning optimally.
