VW Amarok 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
258 PS
3.0L V6 TDI Diesel
Most powerful Amarok
Fun to Drive!160 PS
2.0L TSI Benzin
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The VW Amarok 1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 140 to 258 hp.
The VW 2.0L BiTDI (Diesel, 179 PS) has the CNEA (2.0L BiTDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 140 PS) has the CNFB (2.0L TDI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L TSI (Benziner, 160 PS) has the CFPA (2.0L TSI) — rated: "Stay Away!", 5 known weaknesses.
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| ZF 8HP automatic: synchro ring wear and total failure The ZF 8HP torque converter automatic can develop synchro ring damage in 3rd gear from around 115,000–138,000 km. VW only offers full replacement (8,000–10,000 €); specialists carry out a rebuild from 3,500 €. Symptoms: Fault code P279300 'implausible signal', juddering in 3rd gear, harsh shifts from cold start from 125,000 km | High |
Alternatives
Audi e-tron GE
Großer SUV (2018–2025)
Audi Q8 4M
Großer SUV (2018–2024)
BMW X5 G05
Großer SUV (2018–2026)
Mercedes-Benz G-Klasse W463a
Großer SUV (2018–2025)
Porsche Cayenne 9YA
Großer SUV (2018–2024)
Land Rover Discovery L462
Großer SUV (2017–2026)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 42 weaknesses have been documented for the VW Amarok 1 (2010–2020) — 35 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: CFPA (2.0L TSI). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Rust, Brakes.
Amarok (CNFB, 2010–2016) — Be Careful: EGR Cooler Leaking, Leaking Injectors, DPF Clogging on Short Trips. Power: 140 PS.
Amarok (CNEA, 2011–2016) — Be Careful: EGR Cooler Internal Corrosion — Engine Damage Risk, Oil Feed Hoses to Turbos Leaking, Leaking Injectors. Power: 179 PS.
Amarok (DDXB, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Rear Timing Chain Elongated, Turbocharger Damage Under Towing Load, Injectors Leaking. Power: 224 PS.
Amarok (DDXC, 2016–2020) — Be Careful: Timing Chain — Rear Engine Position, Costly Replacement, EGR Coking — Power Loss and Limp Mode, Oil Loss — Seals Under Sustained Load. Power: 224 PS.
Amarok (DDXA, 2017–2020) — Be Careful: Timing Chain Rattling on Cold Start, Wet Timing Belt Fraying, EGR Valve and Cooler Soot Coking. Power: 163 PS.
Amarok (DDXE, 2018–2020) — Be Careful: Timing Chain — Elongation at Highest Power Level, EGR Coking — Highest Thermal Load, Oil Loss — Seals Under Increased Load. Power: 258 PS.
Amarok (CFPA, 2010–2016) — Stay Away!: Increased oil consumption from thin oil control rings, Timing chain stretch EA888 Gen2, Turbocharger oil line leak. Power: 160 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW Amarok? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee