Thinking about buying a used Volkswagen Amarok (2010–2023) in New Zealand? We've documented 18 known faults for this model spanning engine, cooling, suspension, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
18
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$500–$2,800
Typical repair
5
Systems covered
Known Volkswagen Amarok faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
012.0 TDI BiTurbo HPFP cam follower rapid wear
CriticalVery commonEngine $400–$15,000 to fix
The cam follower (bucket tappet) actuating the high-pressure fuel pump on CDCA and CDBA 2.0 TDI BiTurbo engines wears at an accelerated rate, shedding metal debris into the fuel system. Contamination reaches injectors, the HP pump internals, and fuel rail, requiring replacement of the entire high-pressure fuel circuit. VW issued an extended warranty to 5 years or 150,000 km in several markets due to the failure prevalence, and mandated reduced cam follower inspection intervals.
Symptoms to notice
Difficulty starting or extended crank before start
Rough idle and misfires under load
Loss of power and limp mode activation
Ticking noise from camshaft area at cold startup
Metal particles visible in fuel filter bowl
What to check
Check the fuel filter bowl for metallic contamination. Verify the service history shows cam follower inspection or replacement at manufacturer-mandated intervals, and confirm correct low-SAPS 5W-30 oil has been used throughout. If a workshop inspection is possible: Remove the cam follower inspection plug on top of the engine near the HPFP and visually inspect the follower face and housing for scoring, pitting, or metal debris.
Where to look: Top of engine block, high-pressure fuel pump drive on inlet camshaft
Ask the seller
“Has the cam follower been inspected or replaced, and at what mileage?”
“Has the high-pressure fuel pump or any injectors ever been replaced?”
“Is there a record of an extended warranty claim related to the fuel system?”
“Was the vehicle always serviced with VW-approved low-SAPS 5W-30 engine oil?”
02Rear leaf spring sag/cracking and front end wear on worked utes
MinorCommonSuspension $600–$2,500 to fix
Hard-worked Amaroks sag or crack rear leaf springs (a known AU complaint, with aftermarket upgrades common) and wear front lower control arm bushes and ball joints, felt as clunks over bumps and vague steering. Not unique failures of engineering so much as documented wear patterns of a working ute — but they are WOF items and real money to put right.
Symptoms to notice
Rear sits low or lopsided, especially laden
Clunks from the front over bumps
Wandering steering
Uneven front tyre wear
What to check
Stand back and check the rear ride height and spring arch on both sides; look for cracked or flattened leaves and worn shackle bushes. Rock the front wheels top-to-bottom for play and inspect tyre wear pattern.
Where to look: Rear leaf springs; front lower arms and ball joints
Ask the seller
“Has it carried constant heavy loads or a canopy/service body?”
“Any suspension parts replaced for a WOF?”
EngineCritical
EngineCritical
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CoolingCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
ElectricalMajor
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TransmissionMinor
ElectricalMinor
16 more documented faults on the Volkswagen Amarok
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 18 documented faults for the Volkswagen Amarok, the recurring problem areas are engine, cooling, and suspension. A Volkswagen Amarok with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Volkswagen Amarok?
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We've catalogued 18 known faults for the Volkswagen Amarok, covering engine, cooling, and suspension. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Volkswagen Amarok?
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Most single repairs on the Volkswagen Amarok fall between $500–$2,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 18 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Volkswagen Amarok?
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Yes. A Volkswagen Amarok inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.