VW T5 2(7J)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
204 PS
2.0L TSI Benzin
Strongest TSI T5
Fun to Drive!116 PS
2.0L Benzin
5 weaknesses
Good Choice179 PS
2.0L BiTDI Diesel
5 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The VW T5 2 is available with 4 engine variants — from 84 to 204 hp. 3 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The VW 2.0L BiTDI (Diesel, 102–180 PS) comes with 3 different engines: CAAB (2009–2015, Stay Away!) und CAAB (2009–2015, Stay Away!) und CFCA (2011–2015, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L BiTDI!
The VW 2.0L TDI (Diesel, 84–140 PS) comes with 5 different engines: CAAC (2009–2015, Be Careful) und CAAC (2009–2015, Be Careful) und CAAA (2009–2015, Be Careful) und CAAD (2011–2015, Be Careful) und CAAE (2011–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TDI!
The VW 2.0L (Benziner, 116 PS) has the AXA (2.0L) — rated: "Good Choice", 5 known weaknesses.
The VW 2.0L TSI (Benziner, 150–204 PS) comes with 2 different engines: CJKB (2011–2015, Be Careful) und CJKA (2011–2015, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L TSI!
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Electric sliding door drive motor fails Electric sliding door motors are a primary weak spot on the T5. The drive motor wears out and the door no longer opens or closes fully. Replacement including labour costs around €270, but remains a recurring problem. Symptoms: Sliding door opens jerkily or gets stuck, squealing when sliding, sliding door warning in instrument cluster from 100,000 km | Low | |
| Door locks and window regulators fail Failed door locks are a classic T5 problem: doors can no longer be opened from inside or outside. Window regulator drives (especially sliding windows) also fail, often promoted by water ingress. Symptoms: Door sticks, cannot be opened from inside, window regulator does not respond, window glass drops from 100,000 km | Low | |
| Tailgate gas struts exhausted The gas struts on the T5 tailgate fail regularly — the tailgate no longer stays in the open position. A frequent wear issue on the heavy swing-open doors of the Multivan. Symptoms: Tailgate falls down, no longer holds up, gas struts feel soft from 80,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 56 weaknesses have been documented for the VW T5 2 (2009–2015) — 45 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: CAAB (2.0L BiTDI), CFCA (2.0L BiTDI). Typical issues affect Electronics, Rust, Suspension, Brakes. Considered reliable: AXA (2.0L).
T5 (CAAC, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Head gasket at high mileage, Oil cooler leaking — coolant loss into oil, EGR valve and circuit board failed. Power: 140 PS.
T5 (CAAC, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: Head gasket at high mileage, Oil cooler leaking — coolant loss into oil, EGR valve and circuit board failed. Power: 102 PS.
T5 (CAAB, 2009–2015) — Stay Away!: EGR cooler corrosion — engine damage from aluminium particles, Turbocharger damage from oil-contaminated EGR system, Massive oil consumption from cylinder wall damage. Power: 179 PS.
T5 (CAAB, 2009–2015) — Stay Away!: EGR cooler corrosion — engine damage from aluminium particles, Turbocharger damage from oil-contaminated EGR system, Massive oil consumption from cylinder wall damage. Power: 102 PS.
T5 (CAAA, 2009–2015) — Be Careful: EGR valve coked and sticking, EGR valve circuit board corroded, EGR control unit / EGR assembly failed. Power: 84 PS.
T5 (CAAD, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: EGR valve coked and sticking, EGR valve circuit board corroded, EGR valve coked up. Power: 114 PS.
T5 (CAAE, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: EGR valve coked and sticking, EGR valve circuit board corroded, EGR cooler leaking. Power: 136 PS.
T5 (CFCA, 2011–2015) — Stay Away!: EGR cooler decomposes: particles abrade engine, High oil consumption from cylinder wall wear, EGR cooler aluminium fin abrasion (engine death). Power: 180 PS.
T5 (CJKB, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Oil pump undersized for high load, Crankshaft bearings sensitive to oil pressure loss, Timing chain: rattling on cold start. Power: 150 PS.
T5 (CJKA, 2011–2015) — Be Careful: Turbocharger bearing damage from oil pressure drop, Timing chain: rattling on cold start, Elevated oil consumption from thin piston rings. Power: 204 PS.
What to watch out for with the VW T5? 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