Volkswagen T-Roc 2017-2025 Reliability & Common Problems

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.

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.

Sam Phillips

Title: Staff Writer

Sam joined the Autocar team in summer 2024 and has been a contributor since 2021. He is tasked with writing used reviews and first drives as well as updating top 10s and evergreen content on the Autocar website.

He previously led sister-title Move Electric, which covers the entire spectrum of electric vehicles, from cars to boats – and even trucks. He is an expert in new car news, used cars, electric cars, microbility, classic cars and motorsport.

Sam graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2021 with a BA in Journalism. In his final year he produced an in-depth feature on the automotive industry’s transition to electric cars and interviewed a number of leading experts to assess our readiness for the impending ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars.

Matt Saunders

Title: Road test editor

As Autocar’s chief car tester and reviewer, it’s Matt’s job to ensure the quality, objectivity, relevance and rigour of the entirety of Autocar’s reviews output, as well contributing a great many detailed road tests, group tests and drive reviews himself.

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