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
- Typical repair
- Automatic gearbox service or rebuild · £350–£3,000
Is the 2011–2020 Volkswagen Amarok reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
4.3/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Volkswagen Amarok rates 4.3 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 3 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around engine, transmission and chassis. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Walk unless the history is spotless
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 3
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 1
Weak points cluster around engine, transmission, chassis, suspension.
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ChassisHigh
Corrosion on the chassis and load bed mounts
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect underneath, especially near the rear mounts
- Typical repair
- Body & corrosion repair · £250–£1,800
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.
- Typical repair
- Timing / wet belt kit + water pump · £450–£1,100
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
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
SuspensionMedium
Sagging rear leaf springs from overloading
- Typically appears
- 80,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Check ride height and look for cracked leaves
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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