VW Touran
Top diesel in the T-Roc with 190 hp and all-wheel drive. Powerful and well suited to long distances.
Most powerful Touran diesel
The 2.0 TDI DFHA with 190 hp and DSG is the most powerful diesel in the Touran II and genuinely fun. Effortless forward drive.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The DFHA in the Ateca/Tarraco 4Drive shows EGR cooler cracks from thermal stress of the high-output variant (140 kW). Coolant can enter the intake tract. Repair with new EGR cooler or cooler kit.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible leak, coolant smell in the cabin, white steam from exhaust
With a clogged DPF or EGR cooler crack, the DFHA turbocharger can be damaged by oil contamination. High thermal load of the 190 hp variant increases the risk. Early DPF replacement protects the turbo.
Symptoms: Whistling from turbo, power loss, oil mist in intake tract, fault code P0299
Cracks in the EGR cooler allow coolant into the exhaust path — gradual coolant loss, whitish smoke and engine protection warning. If ignored, cylinder head damage threatens. EGR cooler replacement costs 600–1,000 euros.
Symptoms: White smoke from exhaust, dropping coolant level without visible leak, fault code P0401, rough idle.
Defective water pump or stuck regulator slide (TPI 2041955) cause overheating — coolant temperature rises to 130°C. Primarily affects vehicles up to production date 09/2014; combine replacement with timing belt.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature gauge rising unusually quickly, engine temperature warning light, power reduction from engine protection.
A clogged DPF increases exhaust back pressure and permanently stresses the turbine housing bearings. Oil contamination from old oil accelerates turbo damage. Replacement 900–1,800 euros.
Symptoms: Whistling or hissing noise under load, sluggish boost build-up, oil in intercooler hose, fault code P0299.
Frequent short trips prevent active DPF regeneration (at least 15 min motorway driving needed). Filter clogs — back pressure increase stresses the turbocharger and triggers Limp Mode. Professional cleaning 350–600 euros.
Symptoms: 'Particulate filter loaded' message in instrument cluster, increased fuel consumption, power loss from Limp Mode, black soot when accelerating.
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
On vehicles with panoramic roof and ambient lighting (build year up to July 2018), moisture can enter the LED module and cause a short circuit. In the worst case a smouldering fire in the headliner is possible.
On certain Touran II vehicles from model year 2020, the weld between the brake pedal and the brake pedal plate can fracture. The pedal can detach and braking effectiveness is lost. Replacement by VW free of charge.
The Touran II fails roadworthiness inspection with above-average frequency due to defective suspension springs. Broken springs and elevated brake wear are particularly flagged at the front axle.
Blocked drain valves in the A-pillar drain hoses of the panoramic roof allow water to reach electrical connectors. The result is electronic failures and mould growth inside.
At higher mileages, the DSG on the 5T again develops shift problems. Juddering can occur especially after long motorway runs or in hot stop-and-go. Regular oil changes every 50,000–60,000 km are important.
On the Touran 5T, the electromagnetic clutch of the A/C compressor can fail. The centre bolt does not rotate with the pulley — a known failure of the freewheel clutch. Workshop cost depending on the repair route: 600–1,500 €.
Brake pads and discs wear faster on the Touran II due to its high vehicle weight compared to comparable compact cars. Rear discs have a typical service life of around 50,000 km.
On certain Touran II vehicles from model year 2018, headrests cannot engage correctly. VW has initiated a service action. Certain batches of the rear bench seating are affected.
The MIB2 infotainment system can freeze or crash, particularly after software updates. Navigation and telephony then fail. Usually resolved by a software update.