VW T5
Entry-level common-rail diesel with 62 kW. Significantly underpowered for the T5, but mechanically solid EA189 architecture.
Too Weak for T5
CAAA 2.0 TDI with 84 hp is completely underpowered in the T5. Barely adequate loaded.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The CAAX family EGR valve tends to carbon up during short-trip driving. The valve sticks open and disrupts the air-fuel ratio.
Symptoms: MIL, hesitation at low load, power loss
On the CAAA 2.0 TDI (VW T5.2) the circuit board within the integrated EGR valve-cooler assembly corrodes. The EGR valve and cooler can only be replaced as a complete unit. Typical failure from approx. 120,000 km, causes power loss and fault codes.
Symptoms: Flashing MIL after long journeys, power loss, EGR fault codes, smoke
The EGR control unit of the CAAA 2.0 TDI T5 is a known weak point. The unit fails and generates fault codes — repair by a competent specialist workshop is usually affordable.
Symptoms: EGR fault code, engine protection mode, slight power loss
Differential pressure sensor G450 can fail on the T5 TDI within 25,000 km. Consequence: incorrect DPF regeneration control and significantly increased fuel consumption.
Symptoms: MIL, drastically increased fuel consumption, hesitant driving behaviour
All EA189 engines affected by the diesel emissions scandal. KBA recall with software update. Several T5 owners report increased consumption and premature EGR failure after the update.
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.