VW T5
Naturally aspirated with 85 kW, robust and low-maintenance. Power output borderline for the heavy van, especially loaded.
Simple Petrol T5
AXA with 116 hp in the T5 II remains a simple van engine. Low maintenance and uncomplicated.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The ceramic substrate of the catalytic converter can disintegrate at higher mileages. This causes massive power loss even though the engine sounds normal.
Symptoms: Massive power loss, rpm drops sharply from about 4,000 rpm, engine warning light illuminates
Blocked crankcase ventilation hoses lead to elevated oil consumption of 1 L per 1,500–3,000 km. Particularly pronounced with short-trip use and LPG conversions.
Symptoms: Elevated oil consumption, oil visible in intake tract, bluish smoke on cold start
The EGR valve carbons up in short-trip operation and causes rough idle and starting problems. Cleaning is often sufficient, replacement required with heavy deposits.
Symptoms: Rough idle, difficult starting, power loss in the lower rev range, engine warning light
The ignition coils of the AXA are a known wear item. Individual failures cause misfires on individual cylinders. Ignition leads and spark plugs are usually due at the same time.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling under load, noticeable misfires, elevated fuel consumption, engine warning light flashing
The ignition coil of the AXA 2.0 T4 cannot withstand sustained thermal load. Coil and distributor faults account for around 80% of ignition problems in T4 engines.
Symptoms: Misfires, engine running on fewer cylinders, hesitation on acceleration, engine warning light
Vehicle Weaknesses 11
The torque converter automatic (6-speed, up to 10/2009) often does not last 100,000 km under heavy load. Overhaul starts at €3,000. The 6-speed manual gearbox (from 2009) suffers from mainshaft bearing damage.
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.
Paint flakes off the sill and B-pillar below the sliding door and rust forms. Paint damage from stepping and luggage accelerates the process. Sliding door handles also rust through.
Typical rust spots on the T5: wheel arches, bonnet (stone chips), windscreen frame and the tailgate fold and rain channels. Early inspection and preservation essential on vehicles from 150,000 km.
The right-hand driveshaft splines of the T5 wear out unusually often — a known weak component considered a scheduled wear item. The high vehicle weight (up to 3.5 t GVW) puts severe load on the shaft.
The high weight of the T5 (kerb weight from 2.2 t) puts considerable strain on springs and dampers. Springs break under heavy load, shock absorbers leak. Rear dampers wear out before the fronts.
Due to the high vehicle weight and often commercial use, T5 brake discs wear early. From 100,000 km brake hoses also become porous. As a working vehicle often neglected — lines corrode through.
T5 sliding windows often no longer seal properly. Water runs into the D-pillars, soaks the headliner and attacks the electrics. Rear lights can also let water in and cause short circuits.
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.
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.
Blend door actuators fail on the T5 and no longer allow different temperature control zones. A widespread problem on the Multivan with rear heater at the auxiliary heater.