2018 Volkswagen Amarok: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Volkswagen Amarok?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Engine oil leaks6.3× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  6.3% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Engine warning light5.9× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  5.3% All 2018 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.3%, against 0.9% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints18× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  3.6% All 2018 cars

  0.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.8%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Windscreen2.3× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  4.4% All 2018 cars

  1.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£300 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check for chips or cracks in the driver's view.

Common 2018 Volkswagen Amarok MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Volkswagen Amarok MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  19% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Tyres
  16% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  9% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  7% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  7% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Volkswagen Amarok

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine warning light? (Flagged at MOT 5.9× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 18× as often on the 2018 Volkswagen Amarok as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?