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VW · Compact SUV · 2017–2022

VW T-Roc 1(A11)

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

300 PS

2.0L TFSI Benzin

R Genes in an SUV Body

Fun to Drive!

Body Variants

The VW T-Roc 1 is available as SUV and Cabrio — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Generations


Engine Overview

The VW T-Roc 1 is available with 3 engine variants — from 95 to 300 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.0L TDI · Diesel· 150–190 PS Engine Change
2017 2022
Be Careful 11 weaknesses
2018 2022
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
1.0L TSI · Benziner· 110–116 PS
2018 2022
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
T-Roc R · Benziner· 300 PS
2019 2022
Be Careful 5 weaknesses

The VW 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 150–190 PS) comes with 2 different engines: DFGA (2017–2022, Be Careful) und DFHA (2018–2022, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!

The VW 1.0L TSI (Benziner, 110–116 PS) has the DKRF (1.0L TSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

The VW T-Roc R (Benziner, 300 PS) has the DNFC (2.0L TFSI) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
DSG 7-speed DQ200 clutch wear — T-Roc

The dry 7-speed DSG DQ200 is the most common source of complaints on the T-Roc. At 30,000–50,000 km, burned clutch linings or mechatronics failure are a real risk. Repair cost: 1,400–6,000 €.

Symptoms: Juddering and jerking on take-off especially when cold; delayed gear changes; gearbox enters limp mode
from 45,000 km
High
Haldex coupling wear (4Motion) — T-Roc

4Motion versions of the T-Roc share the VAG Haldex pre-charge pump wear issue caused by contaminated oil. Regular oil changes every 40,000 km are essential. Repair: 500–3,500 €.

Symptoms: Front wheels spin on snow or gravel despite 4Motion being active; AWD warning light; humming from the rear axle
from 90,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
278 complaints · 2017–2022
Engine
126
Brakes
61 ⚠ 2
Electrical
53 ⚠ 1
Fuel System
45
Other
40

Top Reported Issues

Engine (126 complaints)
Brakes (61 complaints)
Electrical (53 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 39 weaknesses have been documented for the VW T-Roc 1 (2017–2022) — 27 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Gearbox, Electronics, Brakes, Rust.

T-Roc (DFGA, 2017–2022) — Be Careful: Camshaft Oil Seal Leaking onto Timing Belt, Timing Belt: Interval NOT Maintenance-Free, Turbocharger Bearing Damage from Oil Starvation. Power: 150 PS.

T-Roc (DFHA, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: EGR Cooler Cracks EA288 Ateca/Tarraco 4Drive, Turbocharger Failure from DPF/EGR Blockage, EGR Cooler Crack / Coolant Loss. Power: 190 PS.

T-Roc (DKRF, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Camshaft Adjuster Bolt Loose — Recall EA211, Wastegate Rattling and Turbocharger Wear, Elevated Oil Consumption. Power: 110–116 PS.

T-Roc (DNFC, 2019–2022) — Be Careful: Oil pump delivers insufficient pressure at idle, Timing chain wear from inadequate oil pressure, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring issues. Power: 300 PS.

What to watch out for with the VW T-Roc? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the VW T-Roc 1 have? +
The VW T-Roc 1 has 27 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used VW T-Roc 1? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: DNFC (2.0L TFSI), DKRF (1.0L TSI), DFGA (2.0L TDI), DFHA (2.0L TDI). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the DNFC (2.0L TFSI).
Which VW T-Roc 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the VW T-Roc 1 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 300 hp, 4Motion, DSG in the T-Roc R — technically closely related to the Golf GTI Clubsport, but the chassis and weight tell a different story. The higher centre of gravity makes dynamic driving noticeably more demanding. Still: an impressive package for a compact SUV.
Is the VW T-Roc 1 worth buying used? +
The VW T-Roc 1 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the VW T-Roc 1? +
The VW T-Roc 1 is available with engine variants from 95 to 300 hp. Petrol: DNFC (2.0L TFSI), DKRF (1.0L TSI). Diesel: DFGA (2.0L TDI), DFHA (2.0L TDI).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee