TransmissionHigh
Automatic gearbox wear from towing and load use
- Typically appears
- 90,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test kickdown and check for harsh shifts when hot
2017 Volkswagen Amarok problems
A 2017 Volkswagen Amarok is now 9 years old, so an average example has covered around 121,500 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2017 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2017 Volkswagen Amarok is 9 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 121,500 miles. At that mileage 6 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2017 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~122k miles an average 2017 car has covered.
EngineMedium
EGR and DPF faults on stop start work use
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Run to temperature and check for warning lights
SuspensionMedium
Sagging rear leaf springs from overloading
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check ride height and look for cracked leaves
EngineHigh
Auxiliary belt shredding leading to cambelt failure on 2.0 BiTDI models.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-70,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Shine a torch down the front of the engine to check the auxiliary belt for frayed edges. Listen for tensioner chatter or squeaking at idle.
EngineMedium
Upper timing chain rattle on cold start due to tensioner bleed-down on 3.0 V6 TDI models.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Ensure the engine is completely cold. Open the bonnet, start the engine, and listen closely to the rear of the block for a sharp metallic clatter lasting 2-3 seconds.
DrivetrainMedium
Thumping or vibration through the floorpan caused by a torn propshaft centre support bearing.
- Typically appears
- 80,000-120,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Look underneath the middle of the vehicle. Grab the propshaft near the centre support bearing and push it firmly upwards and sideways to check for excessive play or torn rubber.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
ChassisHigh
Corrosion on the chassis and load bed mounts
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect underneath, especially near the rear mounts
BodyworkLow
Water ingress into the cabin causing damp carpets, originating from a degraded high-level brake light seal.
- Typically appears
- 5-8 years
- What to inspect
- Inspect the seal around the third brake light for perishing. Check the rear headlining for water stains and feel the carpet underneath the rear bench seat for dampness.
Inspecting a 2017 Volkswagen Amarok?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carVolkswagen Amarok · frequently asked questions
What ruins an Amarok?
Overloading. Check the rear springs before anything else.
Is a service history essential?
Yes on autos. Gearbox fluid history matters.
Are commercial buyers fussy?
They check the bed, chassis and towbar first.
Which engine is more reliable, the 2.0 BiTDI or the 3.0 V6?
The 3.0 V6 TDI is generally more robust, offering better longevity and towing capability. The earlier 2.0 BiTDI suffers from known EGR cooler failures and auxiliary belt issues that can derail the cambelt. However, the V6 is more expensive to service and requires engine-out timing chain replacements if tensioners fail.
What should I look for regarding the 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system?
Amaroks feature either selectable 4MOTION with a low-range transfer box or permanent 4MOTION using a Torsen differential. For permanent systems, ensure all four tyres match in tread depth to prevent differential wind-up. Selectable systems must be tested in low-range on a loose surface to ensure the transfer motor engages smoothly.
Are there any specific MOT failure points dealers should anticipate?
Aside from chassis corrosion, Amaroks frequently fail MOTs on worn front lower suspension arm bushes and leaking rear wheel cylinders on models with rear drum brakes. Handbrake efficiency is another common failure, usually caused by stretched cables or seized rear shoe adjusters resulting from off-road mud ingress.