VW Touran
Unit injector 1.9 TDI of the last generation. Timing chain stretch and camshaft wear are the main problems. DPF on late variants requires motorway driving.
Solid Daily Van
The 1.9 TDI PD with 105 hp is reliable and frugal but no driving-dynamics rocket. Adequate for family duty.
Engine Weaknesses 5
The PD unit injectors wear from around 150,000–190,000 km and cause hesitation and power loss between 2,000–3,000 rpm. A single injector replacement costs €600; a full set up to €2,400.
Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss mainly between 2,000–3,000 rpm, difficult cold starts
Isolated conrod bearing failures on the BJB/BLS/BXE variant caused by material defects and irregular oil changes. Damage occurred at around 157,000 km, resulting in engine failure.
Symptoms: Progressively louder engine knock, oil pressure warning light, in the worst case a loud bang from the engine
Similar to BLS and BXE: individual connecting rod bearings on the BJB show cavitation erosion from material weakness; metal particles in the oil can cause follow-on bearing damage and catastrophic engine failure.
Symptoms: Dull knocking from under the bonnet that gets louder, oil pressure drop, in extreme cases conrod failure
Leaking O-rings on the PD unit injectors allow fuel into the engine oil. With long oil change intervals the resulting dilution starves the conrod bearing and leads to conrod failure.
Symptoms: Diesel smell in the oil, rapidly dropping oil level, sudden engine failure at high rpm, knocking from the engine block
The EGR valve carbons up and blocks, causing power loss and increased soot emissions. Cleaning can help; replacement parts cost €150–400.
Symptoms: Power loss, black smoke on acceleration, check engine light
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
The rear coil springs frequently break at the lowest coil due to corrosion. The problem occurs from around 80,000 km, but has also been documented at 38,000 km. Replace both sides simultaneously.
A faulty microswitch in the brake/rear fog light control unit simultaneously causes failures of the third brake light, the radiator fan (running continuously), and the windscreen wipers. Typical age-related defect.
The Touran 1T suffers from inadequate corrosion protection. Typical rust spots are the sills, front wings, the tailgate around the number plate light, and the rear axle brake shields.
Water enters the boot or footwell through porous seals on the tailgate and sunroof drain. Common causes: blocked drain hoses or a leaking third brake light.
The A/C compressor can fail at higher mileages. Refrigerant loss through leaking valves or a worn compressor is the common cause. Repair is costly.
Rear brake calipers can seize through rust and lack of maintenance, causing uneven pad wear and, in severe cases, overheated discs. Regular cleaning is recommended.
Electric window regulator motors wear out prematurely and seize. Track guides can crack. Typical wear from medium mileage onwards.
The headliner detaches on older vehicles due to moisture and UV ageing. Particularly in the B-pillar area and sunroof frame. Repair requires removing the entire headliner.