Photo: KGC626, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
3 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.
3 known faults
Auto Bild reports occasional oil consumption on the Sportsvan's EA211 petrol engines; Autodoc also cites high oil consumption on the petrol versions, and reviews from Fiches-auto forum users place it as the first reported fault of the 1.4 TSI 150 (small sample). Check the oil level regularly.
On the Sportsvan, the 7-speed DQ200 DSG gearbox with a dry clutch is fitted to the petrol engines and the 1.6 TDI. The guides cite jerky gear changes and delayed pulling away; a software update is sometimes enough, but replacing the clutch kit is often necessary. The clutch wears faster in urban traffic or when towing; an oil change is recommended at least every 60,000 km (Autodoc). Gebrauchtwagenberater notes, however, that the gearbox today causes few problems that are not caused by the driver.
Auto Bild reports occasional oil consumption on the Sportsvan's EA211 petrol engines; Autodoc also cites high oil consumption on the petrol versions, and reviews from Fiches-auto forum users place it as the first reported fault of the 1.4 TSI 150 (small sample). Check the oil level regularly.
Gebrauchtwagenberater and Autodoc cite the EGR valve and the particulate filter as sensitive points of the Sportsvan's 1.6 TDI. Gebrauchtwagenberater places diesel weaknesses mainly at high mileage or in very urban use.
No recurring fault documented for: 2.0 TDI 150 DSG6.
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Compare prices of parts for the Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan I (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.