vinkodex.8 fault write-ups. 5 important. 5 recalls.
If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.
Before you buy
A recall covers T-Roc cars built in 2021: the retractor of the front right three point seat belt does not retract the belt properly, or the belt jams. It is safety critical, and carrying out the recall is tied to the VIN and free of charge.
What to check
The light, magnesium cased MQ200 and the MQ250, sized for higher torque, are the most widespread manual gearboxes in the transverse engine VAG models. Both have the same two weak points, and both depend on use.
The first is the differential bearing: as it wears you first get a droning, then a whine from the thrust bearings of the output shaft. Left alone, the planetary shaft can fail and in extreme cases punch through the gearbox casing: from then on it is not a repair but a replacement.
The second is the synchros: they can start crunching at around 50,000 km with aggressive driving. This type does not like dumping the clutch or slipping it, and on a used car that is exactly what you have to listen for.
What to check
The injector does not close fully, and with the engine standing fuel drips into the cylinder. The symptoms are hard, long cranking (mostly after standing for a while), smoky first minutes, a hesitant idle, and dilution of the engine oil: the oil level goes higher, it smells of petrol, and the diluted oil lubricates worse. It shows up on cars built between 2018 and 2020.
What to check
In the EA211 the water pump and the thermostat are one plastic module, and the pump is driven not by the timing belt but by a separate toothed belt behind the exhaust camshaft. There are usually two problems with it: the plastic housing warps or cracks (slow coolant loss, a sweet smell, rising temperature), or the drive belt ages (a chirping noise, then an engine left with no cooling). The housing is particularly sensitive if oil reaches it: for example from a leaking crankcase ventilation. The module has to be replaced whole: dismantling it warps it in itself.
What to check
The air conditioning does not cool enough at high outside temperatures, after 20,000 to 40,000 km. The cause is leaked refrigerant or a faulty compressor. In cool weather the weak cooling does not show.
What to check
The electric parking brake does not release, because the control unit does not recognise the clutch bite point. The car wants to pull away, the brake holds, and the dash reports a brake system fault. The maker released a software fix for it, so the fault does not need a part replacement, but you have to know about it, because it cannot be solved without a franchised dealer, and the seller often mentions it only as "it is occasionally stubborn".
What to check
The stop-start does not engage in the cold or after standing for a while, as early as 10,000 to 15,000 km. The cause is the condition of the battery.
What to check
The per cylinder ignition coil of these direct injection, turbocharged petrol engines fails. According to the Haynes service material this and similar simple electrical faults account for roughly eighty per cent of workshop visits.
In cold, damp weather, on startup, the engine runs unevenly, misfires under acceleration, and the engine warning light flashes or stays on. Do not keep driving with the light flashing: the unburnt fuel destroys the catalytic converter.
What to check
vinkodex.Checklist
First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.
Before you buy
The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.
A12/00262/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateDue to a manufacturing error, the brake-pedal plate may not have been adequately welded and could become completely detached when the brake pedal is suddenly applied. As a result, the application of the brakes will be impaired, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/00584/22Safety recallBurns, Fireno date · EU Safety GateThe engine covers installed on affected vehicles could detach from their fixings depending on the conditions of use (e.g. very sporty driving, or poor road surfaces) and their age. A loose engine cover could come into contact with the hot area of the exhaust gas turbocharger, increasing the risk of burns or fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicle.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/00751/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe retractor of the front right seatbelt may be defective. As a result, the seat belt may fail to lock when the car brakes strongly or if it tips to the side, leading to increased the risk of injury.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/1904/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateAn incorrect adhesive bond between the upper and lower parts of the rear spoiler may have been used. The upper part of the rear spoiler may consequently become detached and drop onto the road, posing a risk to following traffic.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
A12/1954/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe fitting for the headrest may have been incorrectly welded to the backrest. As a consequence, the supportive and protective effect of the headrest may be limited in the event of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice
Variant data
The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.
Air filter
Cabin (pollen) filter
Engine oil and oil filter
Brake fluid change
Coolant (antifreeze) change
Spark plugs, petrol
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.