DPF, EGR & emissions

DPF, EGR and emissions problems · what to check before buying

Emissions hardware fails on short-journey diesels, and the bill lands on whoever owns the car next. The history tells you more than the car does.

Quick answer

DPF, EGR & emissions appears as a documented fault on 137 models in our library, across 147 separate faults. The most common areas involved are Exhaust, Engine, Brakes, Emissions, Exhaust & emissions, Electrical.

What it usually means

  • Repeated regen attempts or a DPF light · the filter is loading faster than it can clear.
  • Sticking EGR valve · rough idle, hesitation and stored codes.
  • AdBlue faults on newer diesels · often sensor or heater related, and dealer-only on some models.
  • A diesel used only for short town trips is the highest-risk buy in this category.

How to check it on the forecourt

  1. 01Ask what journeys the car did · a commute under five miles is a red flag on a diesel.
  2. 02Check the service history for a forced regen or DPF clean.
  3. 03On the test drive, hold 2,000rpm+ for 15 minutes and watch for a regen or a light.
  4. 04Look for evidence of a removed or gutted filter · illegal and an instant test failure.

Models where this is documented

Each entry links to that model's full fault page, with onset mileage, severity and what to inspect.

Citroen C3 Aircross2017–20242 matching faults
  • 1.2 PureTech wet cambelt degrading and blocking the oil pickup· 40,000+ miles
  • 1.5 BlueHDi DPF and AdBlue warnings on short-run cars· 50,000+ miles
Citroen C42014–20252 matching faults
  • 1.2 PureTech wet belt degradation· 60,000+ miles or 6 years
  • BlueHDi DPF and AdBlue faults· 70,000+ miles
Citroen Dispatch2016–20242 matching faults
  • 1.6 and 2.0 BlueHDi turbo and DPF issues on stop-start work· 70,000+ miles
  • AdBlue system faults triggering reduced power warnings· 60,000+ miles
DS DS 3 Crossback2019–20242 matching faults
  • 1.2 PureTech wet cambelt degrading and blocking the oil pickup· 40,000+ miles
  • Diesel DPF and AdBlue system warnings on short-run cars· 40,000+ miles
Ford Transit Connect2013–20232 matching faults
  • DPF blocking from repeated short journeys· 60,000+ miles
  • 1.5 TDCi injector and EGR faults· 80,000+ miles
Lexus IS2013–20222 matching faults
  • Hybrid battery degradation on high mileage cars· 120,000+ miles
  • Rear disc corrosion from regen use· 30,000+ miles
Mitsubishi Outlander2012–20212 matching faults
  • Rear discs corroding early because regen does most of the braking· 40,000+ miles
  • Diesel DPF blocking on short urban runs· 50,000+ miles
Peugeot Traveller2016–20242 matching faults
  • 2.0 BlueHDi DPF blocking on vans doing frequent short trips· 60,000+ miles
  • AdBlue system faults causing reduced power warnings· 60,000+ miles
Toyota Proace City2019–20262 matching faults
  • 1.2 PureTech petrol wet cambelt degradation· 40,000+ miles
  • 1.5 BlueHDi DPF and AdBlue faults on short-run vans· 50,000+ miles
Volkswagen Crafter2017–20252 matching faults
  • DPF blocking on vans used mainly for short urban journeys· 60,000+ miles
  • EGR valve fouling causing rough running and warning lights· 70,000+ miles
Audi A52016–20241 matching fault
  • DPF and AdBlue faults on 2.0 TDI models· 70,000+ miles
Audi A62014–20251 matching fault
  • DPF and AdBlue faults on 2.0 and 3.0 TDI· 80,000+ miles
Audi Q22016–20251 matching fault
  • DPF and AdBlue issues on diesel versions· 70,000+ miles
Audi Q32012–20251 matching fault
  • 2.0 TDI DPF and AdBlue faults· 90,000+ miles
Audi Q72015–20241 matching fault
  • DPF, EGR and AdBlue faults on 3.0 TDI models· 80,000+ miles
BMW 2 Series2014–20251 matching fault
  • EGR cooler and DPF faults on diesel models· 70,000+ miles
BMW 4 Series2014–20251 matching fault
  • EGR cooler recall and DPF blockage on diesels· 70,000+ miles
BMW i42021–20251 matching fault
  • Corroded discs from regen braking use· 20,000+ miles
BMW X22018–20251 matching fault
  • DPF issues on diesel models used in town· 60,000+ miles
Chevrolet Colorado2015–20221 matching fault
  • CEL / emissions faults on the four-cylinder.· 70,000+ miles
Chevrolet Traverse2018–20231 matching fault
  • Emissions system / CEL faults.· Age-related
Citroen Berlingo2018–20251 matching fault
  • DPF blockage on urban diesels· 80,000+ miles
Citroen C4 Picasso2013–20181 matching fault
  • 1.6 BlueHDi diesel particulate filter blocking on short journeys· 60,000+ miles
Citroen Relay2006–20241 matching fault
  • DPF blocking on vans doing mostly short journeys· 60,000+ miles
Cupra Born2021–20261 matching fault
  • Rear disc corrosion from light regen braking use· 30,000+ miles
Dacia Duster2013–20251 matching fault
  • DPF issues on dCi diesels used in town· 70,000+ miles
Dacia Logan MCV2013–20221 matching fault
  • 1.5 dCi diesel injector and DPF issues on short journeys· 70,000+ miles
Dodge Durango2011–20231 matching fault
  • TIPM (integrated power module) faults causing random electrical issues.· Age-related
DS DS 7 Crossback2018–20261 matching fault
  • Diesel DPF and AdBlue faults on urban cars· 50,000+ miles
Fiat 500X2015–20241 matching fault
  • 1.6 Multijet diesel DPF blocking on short journeys· 60,000+ miles
Fiat Doblo2010–20221 matching fault
  • 1.6 and 2.0 Multijet diesel turbo and DPF issues· 70,000+ miles
Fiat Ducato2014–20251 matching fault
  • Injector and EGR faults on Multijet diesels· 110,000+ miles
Fiat Talento2016–20241 matching fault
  • 1.6 and 2.0 dCi turbo and DPF issues on stop-start work· 70,000+ miles
Fiat Tipo2016–20241 matching fault
  • 1.6 Multijet diesel DPF blocking on short journeys· 60,000+ miles
Ford C-Max2010–20191 matching fault
  • Wet belt degradation on 1.0 EcoBoost· 60,000+ miles
Ford Fiesta2013–20231 matching fault
  • 1.0 EcoBoost wet timing belt degrades and sheds debris into the oil pickup· 60,000+ miles or 6 years
Ford Galaxy2015–20231 matching fault
  • DPF blockage on high-mileage private hire cars· 90,000+ miles
Ford Grand C-Max2010–20191 matching fault
  • 1.6 and 2.0 TDCi DPF blockage on short-run cars· 70,000+ miles
Ford Kuga2013–20241 matching fault
  • DPF blocking on short-journey 2.0 TDCi cars· 60,000+ miles
Ford Mondeo2012–20221 matching fault
  • 2.0 TDCi DPF blockage on urban cars· 100,000+ miles

Showing the 40 models with the most documented matches · browse the full library.

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