VW T5
BlueMotion variant with 84 kW and start-stop. Optimised gearing for lower fuel consumption.
Base TDI T5 II
CAAD with 114 hp is a solid base TDI in the T5 II. Adequate for light-duty work.
Engine Weaknesses 5
Like all CAAX engines the CAAD tends toward EGR coking on short trips. Valve sticks open and disrupts mixture formation.
Symptoms: MIL, hesitation, power loss, increased fuel consumption
The CAAD 2.0 TDI (VW T5.2, 103 kW) shares the EGR weakness of the entire CAA engine family. The circuit board in the EGR assembly corrodes and the EGR valve/cooler block must be replaced as a unit. Fault codes and power loss are typical precursors.
Symptoms: Flashing MIL, power loss at higher revs, EGR fault codes in stored faults
The CAAD 2.0 TDI shares the well-known weakness of all CAAX engines: the EGR valve carbons up and causes rough running, power loss and MIL. Cleaning or replacement required.
Symptoms: Hesitation, increased consumption, MIL, EGR fault code P0401
G450 sensor fails prematurely, triggering continuous regeneration and significantly increasing fuel consumption.
Symptoms: Increased fuel consumption, MIL, hesitation
EA189 TDI affected by the diesel emissions scandal. Software update led to increased consumption and premature EGR failure on some vehicles.
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.