Model reliability

Volkswagen Amarok reliability

The Volkswagen Amarok fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 24.3% of 11,802 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old

15.7% failed their MOT

About average

From 6,824 MOT tests of Volkswagen Amaroks this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 5× as oftenExhaust emissions3.9% vs 0.8%Fix about £150

Fails 56% more oftenMechanical brake components2.8% vs 1.8%

Fails 5× as oftenBrake performance2.3% vs 0.5%

Fails 3× as oftenStop lamp1% vs 0.3%Fix about £30

6 to 10 years old

24.3% failed their MOT

About average

From 11,802 MOT tests of Volkswagen Amaroks this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 3× as oftenBrake performance6.5% vs 1.9%

Fails 3× as oftenShock absorbers2.3% vs 0.8%Fix about £200

Fails 90% more oftenAnti-roll bars1.9% vs 1%

Fails 30% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)1.3% vs 1%Fix about £30

Advised 2× as oftenShock absorbers7.2% vs 3%Fix about £200

Advised 3× as oftenAnti-roll bars4.6% vs 1.5%

Advised 2× as oftenCondition of glass4.4% vs 2.1%

Over 10 years old

33.5% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 1,853 MOT tests of Volkswagen Amaroks this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 72% more oftenBrake performance10% vs 5.8%

Fails 6× as oftenFront and rear fog lamps5.8% vs 1%Fix about £30

Fails 50% more oftenShock absorbers2.7% vs 1.8%Fix about £200

Fails 4× as oftenSteering gear2.2% vs 0.5%

Advised 2× as oftenShock absorbers10.2% vs 5%Fix about £200

Advised 31% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)6.8% vs 5.2%Fix about £30

Advised 33% more oftenBrake performance6.1% vs 4.6%

Advised 66% more oftenCondition of glass5.3% vs 3.2%

Safety recalls

8 DVSA recalls for the Volkswagen Amarok

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2025/43518 Sept 2025Built 2025ABS control unit

On affected vehicles there is a possibility of a loss of braking assistance caused by a fault with the electromechanical brake servo.

Fix: Update the software for the electromechanical brake servo control unit.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 609 vehicles

R/2024/45111 Nov 2024Built 2023–2024Front seat belt

On affected vehicles there is a possibility the seat belt for the driver seat was incorrectly anchored.

Fix: Check the seat belt fixing and reinstall correctly if needed.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 76 vehicles

R/2023/33426 Oct 2023Built 2023On certain vehicles there is a possibility that because of a production problem the propshaft securing bolts for the final drive on gearbox side were not tightened with the correct tightening torque.

On certain vehicles there is a possibility that because of a production problem the propshaft securing bolts for the final drive on gearbox side were not tightened with the correct tightening torque.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the propshaft bolted connection is retightened with the correct tightening torque. If bolts are found to be loose all 4 securing bolts must be replaced.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 2 vehicles

R/2020/36011 Dec 2020Built 2016–2018The lift cable of the spare wheel winch could snap under certain conditions

On affected vehicles the lift cable of the spare wheel winch could snap under certain conditions.

Fix: Retrofit an anti-theft device.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 6,501 vehicles

R/2017/33318 Dec 2017Built 2016–2017Power steering return hose can become damaged and cause hydraulic fluid to leak and/or the power steering to fail

A hose clip can damage the power steering return hose for the steering rack. The power steering hose can also contact the wheel housing. If the hose is damaged hydraulic fluid can discharge and the power steering assistance could fail. In unfavourable cases the hydraulic fluid can get in contact with hot vehicle component or on the brake disc. This could create a danger of accident or fire.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a serrated ring. Fit or remove a spacer as appropriate.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 2,036 vehicles

R/2015/16412 Aug 2015Built 2013Airbag may not deploy

The drivers air bag propellant cannister may not have been fitted correctly. This may affect the deployment of the airbag.

Fix: Replace driver's air bag unit.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 7 vehicles

R/2015/1175 Aug 2015Built 2014–2015Front wheels may lock

The retaining bolts for the front calipers may not have been tightened to the specified torque. The caliper may loosen wedge against the wheel rim and lock the wheel. Detachment of the caliper may happen.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace all front caliper retaining bolts.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 1,032 vehicles

R/2013/13512 Dec 2013Risk of fuel leak

It is possible that fuel leaks could develop on the fuel pipes in the engine compartment. This could then leak onto the road surface or cause a risk of fire.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and install protection devices.

Recalled models: AMAROK · 4,282 vehicles

Show all 8 recalls

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Volkswagen Amarok before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Volkswagen Amarok reliability

8 DVSA recalls for the Volkswagen Amarok

Checking a Volkswagen Amarok before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.