2017 Volkswagen Amarok: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2017 Volkswagen Amarok?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok than on all cars registered in 2017.

• Engine oil leaks6.7× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  13.4% All 2017 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

• Anti-roll bar bushes and joints15.3× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  4.6% All 2017 cars

  0.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.3%, against 0.1% of all 2017 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.

• Shock absorbers2.1× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  7.7% All 2017 cars

  3.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.7% of all 2017 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Engine warning light3.4× usual
  Volkswagen Amarok

  4.4% All 2017 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.3% of all 2017 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.

Common 2017 Volkswagen Amarok MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2017 Volkswagen Amarok MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  23% 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
  18% 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
  16% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  15% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  11% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• 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 2017 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 6.7× as often on the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 15.3× as often on the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2017 Volkswagen Amarok as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?