Volkswagen T-Roc 2017-2025 Reliability & Common Problems

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Is the Volkswagen T-Roc reliable?

The T-Roc finished sixth out of 22 cars in the small SUV class in What Car’s most recent reliability survey. It achieved this placing with a terrific overall score of 98.4%. This placed it above the Seat Arona and the Skoda Kamiq but below the Audi Q2 and the Mini Countryman.

VW as a brand finished in 18th place out of 31 manufacturers in the same survey, with an overall score of 90.5%. This result placed them above Audi, Renault and Vauxhall, but below Kia, Mini and Skoda.

However, there are still some common issues to look out for which we have listed below.

Engine: Check for the 1.5 petrol being a little hesitant when you pull away when the engine is cold. ‘Kangarooing’ (fluctuating revs) is a common issue, but it can be resolved with a software update.

The 2.0 TSI uses a timing chain, rather than a belt, which should last the life of the car, while the 1.0, 1.5 and diesel models use more conventional belts. Be sure to check their condition: they’re labour-intensive replacements.

Handbrake: Make sure that when you pull away, the parking brake automatically releases without any issues. The handbrake can stick on when it fails to detect the clutch biting point. A software fix from VW should solve the issue.

Brakes: Uneven braking or groaning noises when stopping are common. Worn discs and pads are the main culprit, but faulty calipers can also cause it.

Gearbox: Run the engine up through the gears when testing a DSG dual-clutch automatic, and feel for any juddering between shifts. Fresh oil will often solve the issue.

Some cars use a dry clutch, which tends to wear faster than versions fitted with the more reliable wet clutch.

Interior: Check for leaks in the boot and footwells. Rain can also leak through the headliner and into the cabin via the rear-view mirror. Inspect the headliner for telltale water stains.

Body: Water can get into the actuator in the fuel filler cap to prevent it from unlocking. Make sure it opens and closes properly.

An owner’s view

Christian Sztan: “I ordered my car in June 2022 and received it in March 2023. It was my first new car ever. Why did I choose this particular model? I love the T-Roc’s higher ride height, especially in my country where the roads are almost non-existent. That’s how bad the situation is in Hungary. The 1.5 TSI was a good choice, and I ordered it with the DSG automatic. I’ve put more than 25,000 miles on the car and not had any major mechanical problems so far.”

Also worth knowing

The all-wheel-drive 4Motion powertrain is handy to have in winter or for towing, but two-wheel-drive T-Rocs are cheaper.

If you want full-fat performance, the 296bhp T-Roc R gets from 0-62mph in just 4.8sec and handles well for crossover. Sun-seekers will be drawn to the convertible T-Roc which starts from around £17,000. There aren’t that many around, though.