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1

The car at a glance

Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (A1)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Example of this model

Volkswagen T-Roc Mk1 (2017–2025)

factory type code A1 · engine code EA288 (DFFA / DTTB)

  • 2.0 TDI Diesel
  • Manual / Automatic

A strong, economical T-Roc for high-mileage drivers. This diesel (115 or 150 ) comes as a manual or automatic, some with four-wheel drive. Watch for exhaust filter, and faults.

2

Reliability rating

68
/ 100
Check carefully

The is strong and economical on long runs, and the four-wheel drive versions use the tougher 7-speed . Most problems come from emissions parts (, , ), plus a costly fuel pump failure at high mileage.

No specific concerns noted for this production year.

Typical lifespan: Commonly reaches 250,000–300,000 km with regular servicing and longer drives.

This is a general assessment of this model and engine, not a guarantee of this individual car's condition.

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Common problems to look out for

Blocked (DPF)

Risk: Medium

The (diesel particulate filter, which traps soot) needs longer drives to clean itself. Cars used mostly for short trips can clog up and lose power.

Warning signs
  • DPF warning light
  • Reduced power mode
  • Fan running after the engine is switched off
Estimated repair
€300–€1,800
What to look out for
Ask how the car was used. Mostly town driving is a red flag. Watch for warning lights on the test drive.

valve and cooler clogging

Risk: Medium

The valve (which sends some exhaust gas back into the engine to cut emissions) can clog with soot, causing power loss and warning lights.

Warning signs
  • Engine warning light
  • Loss of power or limp mode
  • Rough running at idle
Estimated repair
€400–€1,200
What to look out for
Let the engine idle for a few minutes and drive under load. It should pull smoothly with no warning lights.

system and NOx faults

Risk: Medium

These diesels use (a liquid that cleans exhaust fumes). Its pump, heater or NOx (which measure exhaust pollution) can fail. A countdown appears, and at zero the car won't restart.

Warning signs
  • AdBlue warning or countdown in km
  • Engine warning light
  • Message that the engine will not restart
Estimated repair
€300–€1,500
What to look out for
Check the dashboard for messages. Ask whether the AdBlue tank, pump or have been replaced.

High-pressure fuel pump failure

Risk: High

The high-pressure fuel pump (Bosch CP4) can wear out at high mileage, usually 150,000 km or more. Metal debris can then damage the .

Warning signs
  • Hard starting or cutting out
  • Loss of power
  • Engine warning light
Estimated repair
€1,200–€4,000
What to look out for
Ask whether the fuel pump has been replaced. Be more careful on cars over 150,000 km.

Automatic gearbox control unit faults

Risk: High

These versions use the stronger 7-speed with clutches in oil (code ). It is tougher than the smaller DSG, but its unit (the gearbox's control brain) and can fail, and skipped oil changes speed up wear.

Warning signs
  • Jerky or delayed gear changes
  • Gearbox warning light or limp mode
  • Clunks when moving off
Estimated repair
€1,200–€3,500
What to look out for
Ask for proof of the gearbox oil change (about every 60,000 km). Changes should be quick and smooth, including in slow traffic.

and due

Risk: Medium

These diesels use a , changed with the . The interval is long (around 210,000 km), but a failed belt wrecks the engine.

Warning signs
  • No record of a belt change on a high-mileage car
  • Coolant level dropping
Estimated repair
€600–€1,100
What to look out for
Check the service book and invoices if the car is near the change interval.

Open safety

Risk: Medium

The T-Roc has had a few small , including engine covers that could come loose (cars built Sept 2020 – Feb 2022) and a faulty front passenger seatbelt (cars built Feb–Mar 2021). Recall work is free.

Warning signs
  • No dealer record of recall work
  • Seller unsure if recalls were done
Estimated repair
€0–€0
What to look out for
Ask a Volkswagen dealer or use the official checker with the (vehicle identification number) before you buy.
4

Questions to ask the seller

Tick them off as you talk. 0/7 asked.

5

Running and repair costs

Routine servicing / year
€280–€500
Average
Fuel economy
approx. 4.8–6.0 L/100km
Low
Unexpected repair risk
Common repairs
Average
Unexpected repairs (if they happen)
  • Blocked (DPF)€300–€1,800
  • valve and cooler clogging€400–€1,200
  • system and NOx faults€300–€1,500
  • High-pressure fuel pump failure€1,200–€4,000
  • Automatic gearbox control unit faults€1,200–€3,500
  • and due€600–€1,100
  • Open safety €0–€0
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Final verdict

The good
  • Strong pulling power and good economy
  • Four-wheel drive available
  • Long interval
The concerns
  • , and faults on short-trip cars
  • Costly fuel pump failure at high mileage
  • Automatic gearbox needs oil changes
Our verdict
Check carefully

Check carefully. A good long-distance car if the emissions parts are healthy and the history is complete. Avoid short-trip cars and get the fault codes read before buying.

Always check this car's actual condition and maintenance history — ideally with an independent inspection.