Volkswagen T-Roc 1.6 TDI 115 hp problems
The Volkswagen T-Roc used the 1.6 TDI from 2017 (1.6 TDI 115). 3 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing belt and water pump” (high severity, occasional). Our verdict: “Buy”. Among the documented engines of the Volkswagen T-Roc, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI.
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Engine score on this car
6.2 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the T-Roc. How we calculate it
Overall score for the Volkswagen T-Roc
6.1 out of 10Acceptable reliability
Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown
Volkswagen 1.6 TDI (EA189 and EA288) · Diesel
- In the T-Roc
- since 2017[1]
- Name
- 1.6 TDI 115
- Faults that affect it
- 3 · 1 of high or critical severity
Verdict for the version it uses
1.6 TDI EA288 (from 2012)since 2012 · 80–120 hp · DGTC, CLHB, CXXA, DDYB, CLHA, CXXB, DBKA, CRKB, DDYA, DGTE, DCXA, DCZA
BuyThe sources we consulted on dieselgate focus on the EA189 engines; we have found no indication that the EA288 is singled out in the same way. The main thing to watch is that the timing belt and the water pump have been changed on time.[2][3]
Faults that affect the T-Roc
Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.6 TDI has 5 documented faults in total.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingTiming belt and water pumpThe 1.6 TDI drives its timing with a toothed belt. It is common for the water pump to be changed together with the kit: if the pump seizes first, it can drag the belt with it, with a risk of breakage and serious cylinder head damage.Repair (garage): €400–€1,500
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve clogged with carbon depositsThe EGR valve accumulates carbon deposits, especially on short urban trips, until it seizes and no longer seals or opens precisely. The engine loses power and jerks; cleaning the valve costs considerably less than replacing it.Repair (garage): €100–€1,000
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlClogged particulate filter (DPF)In urban use and on short trips, the particulate filter does not complete regeneration and becomes saturated with soot. The DPF warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car may enter limp mode with a loss of power.Repair (garage): €200–€3,000
What to check before buying a used Volkswagen T-Roc 1.6 TDI 115 hp
Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.
If it has the 1.6 TDI (since 2017)
Timing belt and water pump
High severityEGR valve clogged with carbon deposits
Medium severityClogged particulate filter (DPF)
Medium severityOther engines and gearboxes of the Volkswagen T-Roc
Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.
Faults of the Volkswagen T-Roc outside the engine
Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalSteeringInsufficient tightening of the steering tie rodYes, on the most recent cars: in March 2026 Volkswagen recalled more than 4,000 T-Rocs built between September 2025 and February 2026 because the steering tie rod bolts may have been tightened to an insufficient torque at the factory, with a risk of the rod coming loose and the car losing the ability to steer.Repair: €0
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentFalse warnings and unnecessary emergency braking from the driver assistance systemsIt is a calibration problem documented by the British press, not a mechanical fault: the lane keeping assist may warn for no reason when the position in the lane is correct, the automatic emergency braking may activate unnecessarily and the phone's Bluetooth connection may fail intermittently.
Buying a Volkswagen T-Roc 1.6 TDI 115 hp?
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The Volkswagen T-Roc has one documented recall or campaign. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you
Frequently asked questions
Is the Volkswagen T-Roc 1.6 TDI 115 hp reliable?
The Volkswagen T-Roc used the 1.6 TDI from 2017 (1.6 TDI 115). 3 documented faults affect it; the most important is “timing belt and water pump” (high severity, occasional). Our verdict: “Buy”. Among the documented engines of the Volkswagen T-Roc, the safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI.
What faults does the Volkswagen T-Roc 1.6 TDI 115 hp have?
The documented ones that affect this car are: timing belt and water pump (high severity), EGR valve clogged with carbon deposits (medium severity) and clogged particulate filter (DPF) (medium severity).
Which engine should you choose for the Volkswagen T-Roc?
The safest option is the 1.0 TSI / 1.5 TSI in the 1.0 TSI EA211 (CHZ, DKL, DKR; 2014 onwards), 1.0 TSI / 1.0 eTSI evo (DLAA, DLAB; 2020 onwards), 1.5 TSI / 1.5 eTSI evo 114/130/150 hp (DPCA, DPBC; built from 2020) and 1.5 TSI / 1.5 eTSI evo2 116/150 hp (DXDB, DNKA; 2022 onwards) versions, with a «Buy» verdict.
Own a Volkswagen T-Roc 1.6 TDI 115 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Volkswagen T-RocWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
- Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Bomba de agua del coche, qué es, función y cuándo cambiarlaAutopista.es · Motoring press · published 10 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish