ExhaustHigh
2.0 TDI DPF and EGR blockage
- Typically appears
- 120,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Regen history and limp mode check
- Typical repair
- DPF forced regen or replacement · £250–£1,600
Is the 2012–2024 Volkswagen Transporter reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
2.8/ 10
Buy with cautionOn our documented-fault scoring the Volkswagen Transporter rates 2.8 out of 10 · buy with caution. We hold 8 known faults for it and 5 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around transmission, exhaust and engine. 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
- 5
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 0
Weak points cluster around transmission, exhaust, engine, body.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
TransmissionHigh
DSG clutch pack wear on heavily loaded vans
- Typically appears
- 110,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Low-speed pull-away test
- Typical repair
- DCT clutch pack / mechatronic work · £900–£3,200
EngineHigh
Timing chain or belt service overdue on high-mileage engines
- Typically appears
- 120,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Ask for belt and chain paperwork
- Typical repair
- Timing chain, tensioner & guides · £900–£2,400
DrivetrainHigh
Loss of drive or metallic clunking from the offside front wheel
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- With the engine running and handbrake firmly applied, select first gear and gently raise the clutch to the bite point. Listen for a distinct metallic clack from the right-hand driveshaft area indicating worn stub shaft splines.
- Typical repair
- Clutch & dual-mass flywheel · £700–£1,600
TransmissionHigh
Rattling at idle and vibration through the clutch pedal on manual models
- Typically appears
- 80,000-120,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold and rest your foot lightly on the clutch pedal. Feel for rhythmic pulsing and listen for a metallic rattle that disappears completely when the clutch pedal is pressed to the floor, indicating Dual Mass Flywheel wear.
- Typical repair
- Clutch & dual-mass flywheel · £700–£1,600
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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