Volkswagen Amarok 4x4 TDI420 2.0L Twin Turbo Diesel (2012-2016)

Biggest bucket of crap on the road – What a peice of absolute garbage. 100k on this thing and over 10k in engine work and it still not running. Thus was a 1 owner with full service history from vw themselves. Even they pulled up the history and said it was a lemon, and they sold it new. Just to change a thermostat is a full day job and $700 in parts, you literally have to pull… Read more

half the engine apart for a, what is for any other vehicle, a $20, 10 minute job. They are built to not be repaired. Why anyone but vw, and at $190 + gst plus parts, who the hell is paying them that? Eurotrash, all the same, overpriced garbage that's good for 100k and beyond that are nothing but trouble.

My second one and happy – This is my second amarok and I'm happy as. I had the single cab 2x4 in South Africa a d I was very happy with it, it looked awesome and the girls loved it haha but I emigrated to Australia and I needed to sell it with a heavy heart. When I started to live in Australia I bought a Suzuki swift that is a great car but every time I'm next to a… Read more

amarok at the light I feel like a shadow of the person I used to be and I couldn't shack that feeling off well until I have in and naught one again but this time I got the auto 4 motion.

I was never a man for a automatic car but this one is awesome, let me tell you why.

Me and my mates went out on a off-road camping and it was wonderful the off-road assist and traction control really make the day fun for example at the one obstacle there was a cheve blazer fully kitted out and he got stuck on the obstacle and needed to winch him self out. When he got out he looked back and see my amarok stock standard. He started to glot to his friends about how funny this is gone me but I ignored him and take it on anyway. I was scared that every one is going to laugh at me but a swallowed my fear and overcame the hill with white knockers and all!

When I was done I turned around to get my turn to glote a bit but him and his friend was so quick in their cars and on the road I didn't even get a chance to laugh at him.

So for that I'm in love with my Ute.

The only bad thing about the amarok is, is the service agent is really in help full and expensive.

O and the v-belts do climb off on some models so just check them for wear and as soon as it show any fatigue change them.

Very good vehicles, no dealer issues – I am now on my third Amarok, 2011 2wd Dual cab manual was the first, no issues, sold at 60,000Km, 7l/100k. Then a 2013 4wd auto Trendline, quiet and comfortable, towed 2tons with ease, catalytic sensor light came on at 70k, dealer said it was clogged due to short running , replaced it in 2 days with free loan car. Sold at 80k. Currently have a… Read more

2015 Trendline identical to the 2013, done 13k with no issues, I tried all the other utes at various stages, i prefer the Amarok because of the quiet, comfortable ride and good handling, if i went off road or towed a lot, i may have chosen the Ranger.

If you look at the ratings on this site, the Amarok has the best Excellent to Terrible ratio except for the Isuzu and the Muzzo (maybe its good or people who buy it have low expectations) . I understand people with terrible experiences write terrible reviews, but i have nothing but praise for the Amarok and the service i get from Southern Volkswagen, Reynella SA and Solitaire Motors, Nailsworth, SA

Great vehicle – I can't get over some of the less than stellar negative comments I have read regarding owner's experiences with their Amaroks. I've had mine since Dec 2015. I've clocked up 31,000 kilometres and can honestly attest to the fact that I've not had one problem. Not a rattle or a squeak. This is not by any stretch the most luxurious car I've owned… Read more ·  2

nor by a large margin the most expensive but it has been amongst the best.

I occasionally tow a horse float and two horses, approximately 2 tonne and a 5.8 metre boat approx weight 1.6 tonne.

Tows both without fuss or bother. If I was towing over 2 tonnes daily I probably would have bought something bigger, but as I mostly drive without towing, it's perfect for my needs. It's automatic, averages since new 9.5 litres per 100 Ks, on long run average is about 8.2. Can't get better than that and I have tried. Engine is smooth and quiet and gearbox is near perfect. My wife drives the vehicle occasionally and has no bother either. Can't recommend this particular vehicle highly enough.

Reliable fast for a dc and economical – What can I say, have went to Uluru and back towing a big van and was surprised how good on fuel it was. Goes great offroad. Only problem I've had is a rear main leak but the dealer fixed it straight away. Serviced every 15k and drive to work in it every day.  Show details

Largest cab on market – Family car lots of room auto nice and smooth to drive cheapest on market with fuel most comfortable to sit in for long drives 4 cyclinder real gives great power with the twin turbos And upgrade on radio with one of the best blue tooth phones in cars today  Show details

Best vehicle I have owned – Absolutely love the amarok, had it since new and now 3 years on. It feels like you are driving a car not a large 4x4. I have driven our work utes (hilux, ranger and navara) and they feel exactly like work utes. The amarok feels very refined all round and have not had any issues with it. Even without a low range box, the automatic gearbox was great… Read more

on the beach, even in very soft and powdery sand. Also comes with an E locker standard which is very handy when four wheel driving. I would definitely buy another but I think I will hold on to mine for a very long time.

Unless you have deep pockets avoid – My brother went out and got sucked into buying a 2015 Amarok bi turbo demonstrator money pit. Now Im always sceptical about people car reviews because you dont know how bad people treat the vehicle or if they actually service it or drive it thru the ocean for example  Show details

VW Amarok Transmissions..BEWARE – The positives: You do get good fuel mileage for a big car but at the cost of stinking diesel fumes. As soon as you start the car you want to reverse it out of the garage asap otherwise they will stink up the garage and make its way inside quicksmart. We have to drive with the recirculation button on all the time to minimize the fumes. Negatives:… Read more

TRANSMISSION...Have done a transmission at 100K and for 11K a transmission it is a no brainer to steer clear!

HOT TIP... If you intend on buying one of these for towing even with a very light load do a pre-purchase test reversing up an incline and JUST LISTEN to the tranny/engine under no load (test drive) and then imagine what it would be like reversing with a trailer.

EGR failure – EGR failed and dumped all the water whilst towing our caravan Engine seized and now face a $10k repair bill. Vehicle has had all services completed on time. 123000klms 4 years old... Unacceptable. This is on top of the issues i had in the first year consisting of a transmission leak, climate control failure, air conditioner not working, L hand… Read more

door lock failed, L hand door window not working, Rh Mirror glass fall off, warped brake rotors then new brakes also warped and 4 warranty recalls. I actually thought i would get 10 years from this ute. Very disappointing.

Well finished, fuel efficient and plenty of power – I never thought I would be the owner of an Amarok but went to a car yard to purchase another vehicle that ended up not being suitable and then was offered a 2014 Amarok Canyon at a very good price. Took it for drive and that was it, I was sold. I have had heaps of diesel 4x4s and this thing is unbelievable and a level above. Ample power, very… Read more

smooth to drive, fuel efficiency is awesome, 8.7 litres per 100km and have had as low as 10.7 litres per 100km towing a 1200kg trailer. Has 150000kms but drives like new. The engine gearbox combination is what sets it apart, virtually has 4 low gears and 4 high gears, pulls the trailer up our steepest road in WA in 5th easy. Very, very impressed with this car. You won’t be disappointed if you choose an Amarok.

The perfect work vehicle – It is criminal that the Amarok is rated only mid 3s currently. Amarok is in my view the perfect work vehicle in Australia. As a 1 tonne ute it avoids FBT. It is car like to drive. It is quiet but powerful when needed. Passing is easy. It is also minimally bumpy to drive. I have the full time four-wheel drive 2 l Highline and routinely get 9 litres… Read more

for 100 km or slightly less. That's amazing for what it is. The auto is almost always in 8 gear and just purrs along at low RPM.

If you read the reviews the only really negative criticism is that the rear seats don't have the same safety features as most of the other utes now but if 90% of the time you are using it as a daily driver and for work trips it's not a big issue really. If you have a collision realistically unless you run into a vehicle with similar mass it will not really factor into it that much. In any case hopefully they rectify that in the future model update. The seamless four-wheel drive always on is a factor that increases the safety have a most other utes anyway. It is fantastic on wet or icy roads. In the few times I've taken it off road in a minor way it is also seamless. You don't need a low range with this gearbox.

The hands-free is excellent and the sound system pretty good. The only issue is integration with my Galaxy 9 note phone and fix is 2 remove the phone from Bluetooth and set it up again which if you're travelling for 3 to 5 hours is a pain but acceptable. The GPS works great better than Google Maps for the most part.

The tray is huge and has served me very well for tip runs for the occasional transferring of loads between branches.

There are a lot of little nice touches with the auto wipers the one touch electric windows the cruise control the useful dash that gives you fuel economy range speed e t c.

Australia is pretty wasteful requiring 1 tonne trucks to evade fringe benefits tax. If they had any sense they would also extend that to electric vehicles and hybrids but the next best thing is a really efficient diesel like the Amarok. I understand the 2 wheel drive models are even more efficient at about 7.5 l per hundred kilometres.

It's pretty cool being able to conduct business on the phone as you drive in comfort and arrive at your destination six hours later relatively well-rested considering.

So far appears to be a good car – Drives and rides well even with a big load, cant hardly tell its there !. Comfortable enough & Smooth, roomy & enough power. Gearing is good. Tyre wear appears negligent after 22000Kms, so really good in that regard. Though for $60K, would have liked to have a few more modern aids such as blind spot warning side mirrors a few other bits and bobs.  Show details

Just fine – Owned my 2015 4x2 Amarok for just on 2 years now and have done 55,000kms. This is my work work car however it has also done over 10,000kms towing our 2.5t caravan as well. To date not 1 single issue to report and fuel economy is great, at times down to 6.5 litres per 100 to and from work. The van has been towed in 40 degree temps and the Amarok still doesn’t complain, even when oil temp hits around 125. Very comfy even for bottom of the range.  Show details

Great car no issues – Love the dash. Very easy to use all 4x4 switches. Long distance driving great. Would have loved more storage under seats including back seat. Spare tyre not easy to drop down or replace. Replacement pares very slow to turn up such as new key or tyre change gear sold in separate pieces NOT IN A KIT ..Mmm probably the dealers fault. Over all love the Amarok ute 4x4  Show details

could be better – driving good, fuel economy excellent, handling on hway good on gravel reasonable tow pack could be better in the wiring department interior reasonable console starting to crack after 55k not covered on waranty 8 spd auto very good no hill descent when towing ( ford does have ) Paint seems too soft scratches easy and get a lot of car park… Read more

damage, child safety seats hard to fit, jack very hard to get to if child seats fitted, overall good car but fast losing value for money with competitors longer warranty period

January 10th 2018 Update: thanks vw

In the last post I said that console lid cracked it has been replaced under warranty thank you Tim @ JMC

Had problem with ign sw at 30k also warranty

Service costs not too bad, oil very expensive I supply oil at under half the cost for same oil, still think the tow pack wiring is not good, rear fog light won't work with tow pack fitted also only 1 reverse light on the left side should be on right side

Best dual cab utility on the highway in Australia – Having driven many of the "popular" dual cabs available in Australia, I decided to drive an Amarok and must say it is the best drive of any utility currently on the road in Australia. Purchased a Core+ in January, it has now covered 35,000 kilometres - 10,000 kilometres towing up to 2.75 tonnes. Impressed with the comfort, performance, dealer… Read more

care and the "clever" things provided in the second cheapest VW model. Fuel consumption when not towing is averaging 9.2 litres per 100klm. 4000 kilometres towing 2.75 tonnes provided 15.7 litres/100 kilometres, operating at legal speed limits of mainly 100klm/hour. I am so impressed with the great drive and trouble free service to date that just placed an order for a Highline V/6.

300,000kms – I have just hit 300,000 kms in my 2013 Amarok. With 8 speed auto, mostly highway driving, some towing and only off road at boat ramps. New oil every 15,000kms. Doesn't miss a beat! Local dealer is exceptional with free loan car while servicing and upfront quotes. Had an issue with injectors recently but sorted promptly at low cost.  Show details

Not built to last – I love driving my amarok, it is spacious, the motor is quiet and fuel efficient and not bad off road. The real issue is I don't know if the 2 litre is built to last. I needed two new front seats at 20k and a turbo blew at 40k, I question if it will make it to 300k like the ford or the mazda. Do I trust the car past its warranty date. We also have a tiguan that has had power issues. I question the VW quality.  Show details

Awesome all round, highway comfort A+, off road comfort & capabilities A+, towing A+ – Wouldn't go to anything else at all ever (Unless a bad experience comes up) 8 speed auto is amazing, no low range, off road is perfect, 4 Motion in sand is the best! On road handling & comfort is car like, hardly think you are in a ute. Dirt roads are awesome, hangs on like a gecko. Lacks a bit of grunt at the top end, but it's not a sports… Read more

car.

Only ute to fit a full size pallet in the tub between wheel arches and 1T! Perfect for the workers then a perfect vehicle for weekend play!!!

Would like a V6 and have test driven one, but can't justify the price yet.

EGR Coolant problem – I brought my Amarok second hand at three years old, 20k miles. I've had it a year, now on 60k miles, its had two vw services as scheduled. red engine temperature light now comes on, i took it to the dealer and been advised the egr cooler is failing. VW will not contribute anything towards it and have the attitude that i should expect cars to break after 3 years. i brought a vw for a quality reliable car/van, this is not it.  Show details

Very happy customer – Fantastic ride, great economy 8.4l/100. I have only had the vehicle fir six weeks but couldn't be happier. I have owned multiple 4WD & utes but this one beats all of them for comfort and versitility. I purchased the vehicle as a run iut drmo model and saved heaps. Took it offroad on the beach and it handled it perfectly. Totally recommend this truck.  Show details

Caught Fire no apparent reason – Our Amarok was only 21 months old regularly serviced well maintained. It caught fire within the engine bay it was a matter of Seconds before it engulfed the cabin coming through the drivers side foot-well, Ballarat Dealer will not return calls nor enter into any conversation, extremely poor attitude at Volkswagen.  Show details

Out of date Satellite Nav System – Nice Car. We have been to the dealer and VW and like everyone these days they want your money but do not want to know about any issues. One would have thought you would get the most up to date Sat Nav system when you bought a new car but it's not true. All business think of saving money and the Sat Nav system is so old at least over 3 years it… Read more

doesn't even have the main Highway upgrade and takes you off the highway and through towns and traffic. Yes VW has a new upgrade but you have to pay for it. One would think VW would want to keep customers happy for repeat business but once a great wealthy man said there is nothing more important than MONEY. Not true. Unhappy Customer.

Best ute ever – Have amarok for 3.5 years with 50.000 kms on it. Never had any issue what so ever. Did check all other utes in 2012 but none came even close,driving wise,diesel sound compared to other utes feels like a car. Drove same year ranger and hilux they felt like tractor in comparsion! Last week did try my friends 2016 hilux and 2016 ranger… Read more

wildtrack,while better than old ones still not very impressed even tough ranger felt much better than slow hilux!

Left them in dust the other day on fast winding roads,the rok much more stable car on road!

People rekon not good enough for off road,never got stuck even once,sand or mud and how many people goes extreme off roading these day with new utes anyway!

Will keep it for another few years and maybe try new amarok diesel V6 it's a weapon compare to slow truck sounding competition!

Just do services every 10.000 kms with good mechanic you know and will look after you!

Problems from the first week – We had issues since the first week we bought it. From windows not closing to car not turning on! Now we have major issues and the ute is off the road now for 4 months. It will be taking 4 months for VW to manufacture a wiring harness then shipping it to the dealer. Not good enough. We've paid over $60000 for a constant headache and no car ! I hate VW. Do your self a favour and stay away from any VW.  Show details

Problems grinding brakes – Bought a brand new highline fully loaded,just hit 8000k been back to Rockdale VW 4 times at a near a week at a time and it's there right now! I'm so angry that all they keep saying is they can not fault it! What a joke $60k brake problems, temp gauge issues, seat moves by itself, lets see if they can fix it this time? Have emailed dealer principal stating if you can't fix I am happy to trade it ! Maybe it's just a bad one ???????  Show details

VW lemon labelled lemrok – Picked up amarok from James Frizelle Gold Coast brand new. Day 2. Front brakes locking up. door window winders grinding when going up and down. Radio keeps turneding off when driving. Bluetooth keeps deactivating. Door trim edges sharp as razor blades cut fingers open. Contacted dealer day 4. All they could say that doesn't… Read more

sound right we stand behind our brand. What! buy a brand new car 38k. Has problems and we as owners don't know what we are talking about.

Took car back day 4 for repairs to be done. Put new window winders in both doors put new radio in fixed door trim. And then advised car needed update that will solve brake problem. 3 weeks later window winders grinding again and Bluetooth disconnecting again. Called dealer to advised so called replaced parts are now faulty like original parts. This is best part. Can't help right now will have TO bE looked at at next service. What is it with these car yards these days. It's all about numbers sold do not care one bit about the customer at all.

I've done 73,000km, still can't fault the car – Wouldn't get any other ute, unless they had a similar ZF 8 speed gearbox. Quiet and refined, handling is nice. Don't service the car with VW and find a good diesel mechanic and running cost shouldn't be too high. Off road it can handle anything thrown at it, maybe a 2" lift and you shouldn't have a problem with most of the common tracks.  Show details

Great Ute – So far so good.Have not had a single issue with my Amarok.Economy is great,has the comfort of a car.Softer rear springs would be the only thing I would change.ZF 8 speed auto is awesome,smooth gear changes,a pleasure to drive. Parts are expensive when servicing,so will have my log-book servicing done by my mechanic.  Show details

cracked erg – I have the displeasure of owning not one but 2 of theses vehicles and both have had cracked ERG s one caused the engine to overheat and blow up. It was in for repairs for 3 months only to have it blow a gasket out the front of the engine lose all of its water and overheat again. Some weeks the dash is like a Christmas tree with different warning… Read more

lights. Both cars go through a lot of oil especially when towing. They are without a doubt the worst 4X4 we have ever owned they get bogged in the sand and don't seen to be able to build up enough power to turn the wheels. And after less than three years of ownership I was offered less than $30000 for a car I paid over $65000 for. Never again will I buy anything but hilux.

Cannot Fault – Bought this Amarok about 18 months ago, covered about 80,000km so far. Mixture of city driving and country travelling and towing loads up to 2.5 Tonne for extended periods. Not a single issue. Motor is a bit revvy when under load, I find it best to shift into manual mode on the auto instead and use the torque. There are other utes on the market… Read more

with more torque, but the brilliant ZF 8 speed box more than accomodates the torque disadvantage - it has more than enough.

Comfort wise - no other ute comes close. Its quiet, rides well and is just like a car to drive

If I was buying again, I would option the softer rear springs, but standard springs are ok if tyre pressures are set correctly.

When my lease renewal comes up, I wouldn't hesitate to replace again (and I have had numerous brands including Colorado, Triton, Navara) but the Amarok is hands down a clear winner

Came From Luxury – I traded in my MY13 Touareg to an MY15 Highline Amarok. Initially it was hard as I missed all the luxury and the power, but the Amarok is in a class of it's own. After test driving just about every dual cab on the market, the Amarok came out a clear leader. It's very much car like, it's quiet in the cabin has plenty of poke. Pros: - Comfy… Read more

ride, plenty of grunt - don't let the 2.0l engine put you off until you've tried it with the 8 speed ZF gearbox, goes like the clappers

- Plenty of cabin space - This is our family car and comfort was needed as we do a lot of distance travelling

- Largest tray in the class

- Quite, comfy cabin

- Excellent fuel economy

Cons:

- Crap high beams with no bi-xenon option (must have in my opinion, I miss them as my Touareg had them)

- Ground clearance could be better, but it would come at ride expense so it's manageable

- Media unit needs a bigger screen & outdated instrument dash - there's options available for the media unit after market

- No rear vents

- No rear airbags - although the car is 5 star rated

Worth a test drive – Brand new highline. Beautiful on road. Biggest tray in class. Smallest motor in class but happy to rev and with 8 speed box makes it effortless. Drl's and bixenons a bonus for 2016 models. Downsides are crappy 4 inch display. Needs keyless ignition or at least illuminated ignition. Awkward cruise control stalk not as user friendly as base model… Read more

golf setup. Definately need update to interior to compete with ranger. If gadgets are your thing you will be let down with amarok. But ride and comfort make up for that. Reliability is a gamble like any new car. Horror stories from all brands make life confusing so go with the one that suits your needs and cross your fingers.

Worst car I ever had – I have had my high line for 18 months now and hate it more and more every day. After one week I rang the dealer asking for my money back no such luck. Ride is so uncomfortable that I have a head ache by lunch time and told comfort springs not available aftermarket, no illumination around ignition, rear drum brakes on a $62k vehicle (been obsolete… Read more

on lesser vehicles for years)?, rear brakes don't self adjust so constantly having brake adjusted (this feature was standard on ford customline in 1957), tail gate doesn't lock with central locking, left front tyre scrubbed out even though had it aligned at each service, brake pedal too high, sat Nav is so painful I use my iPhone, bald face lied too about fuel economy (worse than my 4 tonne tilt truck), poor reverse lights, rear carry area light has never worked, water leak passenger door, brake pedal squeaks in and out every time you use it, squeaking rear suspension, drivers door trim falls off and you can't open the door, fuel sloshes around when parking, glove box too small, voice command has never worked even one time, occasionally motor shakes so bad it feels like it gonna come out, motor rattly and misses until warms up, you get the exact same dash in a 60k vehicle as you do in the 25k vehicle. VW have tried to be everything to everyone with this car and it does none of them well. While there are redeeming features of the amorok I should have bought another Mercedes.