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Volkswagen Transporter L2H1 28 2.0 TDI 180hp 4Motion common faults.

2015–2019, van, diesel, 180 HP.

The fault list covers: CFCA engine, DQ500 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

6 fault write-ups. 4 important. 16 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

4 important faults

critical1

The balance shaft module drives the oil pump through a hexagonal shaft stub. That hex and its mating part gradually round off, until the shaft finally turns freely: the oil pump stops and the oil pressure is gone. The process gives no warning, and that is exactly what makes it dangerous. The failure typically happens at high revs, and the oil pressure light comes on only once the damage is already done. The factory hex is undersized, so it knocks against the wall of the bore, and the wear accelerates itself. The maker classed it as a "tolerance deviation" and, given the small number of cases against total production, did not recommend preventive repair; Audi alone ran a service action (13D7). The replacement is expensive: on the German market the module replacement is 1,300 to 1,700 euro, and an independent repair touching only the hex is around 650 euro. The reported cases cluster around the Passat B6, Sharan, Audi A4/A6, Superb and Alhambra, in model years between 2005 and 2009. This layout is not only on the pump-injector (PD) engines, it is on the common rail EA189 engines too: the same module, the same hex, the same wear. The failure is typically reported between 100,000 and 160,000 km. The first sign is a short flash of the oil pressure light, in a long bend or a few seconds after a cold start, and then quiet again. The versions without balance shafts (BKD, BMM, BMN, AZV) drive the oil pump differently and are not affected by this wear. If the light stays on or flashes, stop as soon as it is safe, switch the engine off, and do not restart it until the oil pressure has been measured.

between 100,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Ask whether the balance shaft module or the oil pump drive has been replaced, and if so, with a factory or a strengthened hex
  • Read through the service book: has an oil pressure warning ever flashed, even once
  • Unscrew the oil filler cap and look for metallic glitter in the lubricant
3 more steps in the write-up

expensive3

The EGR valve and its cooler block up with soot and oily deposits; the particulate filter cannot regenerate on short urban trips. The signs are reduced power, a warning light, and frequent regeneration. The software update after the diesel emissions affair made the EGR operate more often, which accelerated the phenomenon: the maker gave goodwill repairs in several cases.

between 140,000 and 160,000 km

What to check

  • Ask what kind of journeys the car did: a daily short urban run is the worst for the filter
  • With a code reader look at the stored faults (P0401/P0402, and P2002 for the filter)
  • Ask whether it received the post emissions affair software update, and when
1 more steps in the write-up

The seven speed, wet clutch DQ500 is the DSG of the high torque models (Transporter, Arteon, Tiguan). On a heavy vehicle, on the T5 vans, the splined joint of the differential can shear. Clutch debris blocks the valves of the mechatronics unit, and it jerks on shifts. The pressure sensors fail at around 100,000 to 150,000 km, and then either the even or the odd gears drop out. The control board fails from overheating next to a clogged heat exchanger. It is not repairable, only replaceable.

What to check

  • On the test drive watch for jerking between 1st and 2nd and 2nd and 3rd, cold and warm
  • Pull away gently from standstill: shuddering indicates clutch wear
  • If a whole group of gears (even or odd) is missing, that is a pressure sensor fault
3 more steps in the write-up

The internal springs of the flywheel tire, and the two discs knock against each other. The signs are a rattling or knocking from the bellhousing at idle and when releasing the clutch pedal, and vibration through the floor. If the clutch slips without a burnt smell, that also points to the flywheel. It is worth replacing in time: a disintegrated flywheel can destroy the bellhousing too. At a clutch replacement the two go together anyway.

What to check

  • At idle, without touching the clutch pedal, listen for the rattle from the bellhousing, then press the pedal: if it stops, that is suspect
  • Watch for the characteristic clatter on starting and switching off
  • Put your foot on the floor at idle: a noticeable vibration indicates tired springs
2 more steps in the write-up

cheap repair2

The dash shows "Error: Workshop! Only leave vehicle in position P" with an audible warning. The message appears in whatever language the car is set to, for example "Fehler: Werkstatt! Fahrzeug nur in Stellung P verlassen" in German.

Show the rest

The message points at the gearbox, but the fault is not there. A tiny switch sits in the module under the selector lever and signals that the lever is in park (P). Its contact wears and can also burn. That makes the signal unreliable, and the car warns you. The fault codes appear as 617752, P173400 or B116229.

At first it is intermittent. Sometimes the message comes up, sometimes not, so a short test drive easily misses it. Later it becomes permanent, and the gearbox can drop into limp mode.

This fault looks more expensive than it is. The maker released a separate retrofit switch kit for it (5Q0713128A for the black module, 3Q0713128 for the white one), which can be fitted in half an hour. The kit costs 70 to 100 pounds. At a franchised dealer, however, the whole selector lever module sometimes gets replaced, which costs 626 to 1,000 pounds there. So the difference between the two routes is roughly tenfold.

The affected group is post 2013 MQB platform Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars with a DSG gearbox. The switch is in these gearboxes, because that is what these cars have in common. The part itself is not part of the gearbox but of the module under the lever.

What to check

  • Watch the dash after starting: the message is intermittent and can be missed on a short loop
  • Move the lever from P to D and back several times, then get out and lock the car
  • Ask whether the selector lever switch has been replaced already, and ask for the invoice
2 more steps in the write-up

The lower roller carries the weight of the sliding door, and that is what wears first: the door is hard to start moving, it sticks on the way, and at the end it "drops" off the rail. The other characteristic case is the guide rail working loose: the M5 mounting bolts come loose, the rail hangs down, and from then on the door presses against the body, which you can see on the paint too. If the roller is not replaced, the hinge and the bodywork are damaged too. On a fleet car that was opened many times a day, the roller wears sooner.

forum sources only

What to check

  • Open and close the sliding door several times, fully and slowly: both binding and grinding are signs
  • Lift the door while it is open: vertical play shows wear of the lower roller
  • Go along the lower rail: a loose bolt, a bent rail, a worn running surface
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Volkswagen Transporter L2H1 28 2.0 TDI 180hp 4Motion

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall16 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 9 February 2022

A12/00380/22Safety recallInjuries9 February 2022 · EU Safety Gate

The gas tank may corrode because the protective paint will not be properly maintained over time. Refueling a corroded gas tank could lead to fuel leaks and increase the risk of explosion. The product does not meet the requirements set out in the Regulation concerning the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Distributor Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 09/02/2022

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00220/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.

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

A12/00221/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Cars initially used for internal purposes of Volkswagen AG might not have been correctly modified before they were sold to the general public. There is a possibility that certain safety systems of these cars are not correctly modified for street use.

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

A12/00382/22Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The factory fitted tyres type 235/55 R 17 103 H TL XL ContiEcoContact 5 can suddenly lose air under heavy loads. This can lead to instability while driving, increasing the risk of an accident. 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 vehicles.

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

A12/0047/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to a manufacturing fault, the fuel hoses may begin to leak. A fuel leak could pose a hazard to vehicles following behind.

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

A12/00565/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The amount of extinguishing sand in the fuse of the high-voltage system is not sufficient in the event of a short circuit to the high-voltage safety system. This may cause it to burst, increasing the risk of injuries. Furthermore, the blown fuse can interrupt electrical flow of current leading to a voltage drop inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of 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 vehicles.

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

A12/00582/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The electrical child safety device may not be mechanically locked even though it has been activated by the driver and the permanent indicator on the button indicates normal operation with no indication of a fault. As a result, the sliding door can be inadvertlently opened from the inside, 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

A12/00749/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to inadequate sealing, water may penetrate into the Bowden cables in the driver’s or front passenger's door and impair the movement of the cable’s inner wire at temperatures below the freezing point. As a result, the doors may open inadvertently, 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

A12/01012/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Due to inadequate insulation, water may penetrate into the doors through the retractable side windows. Consequently, the water may enter into the Bowden cables inside the doors and hinder the movement of the cable’s inner wire at temperatures below freezing. As a result, the driver’s or front-passenger’s door may open by itself when the vehicle is in motion, 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

A12/01106/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The provided instruction manuals are for VW transporter vehicles instead of for the camper van. As a result, certain warnings about possible safety risks are missing from the vehicles.

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

A12/02703/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it can result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. 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 vehicles.

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

A12/0326/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The front passenger airbag may have been folded incorrectly when it was manufactured. A small front-seat passenger may be insufficiently protected in the event of an accident where the airbag is deployed.

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

A12/0387/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Some vehicles have differences in the mixture ratio for the initiating device, which could lead to the driver and passenger airbag or seat-belt pre-tensioner not activating 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

A12/0825/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

Corrosion of the gas tank may occur. If there is insufficient residual wall thickness, the gas tank may burst.

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

A12/0979/19Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

If the vehicle is washed with a high-pressure cleaner, water may enter the interior, damage the control device for the tailgate and cause an incomplete short circuit with localised damage from scorching. When air enters through open windows, doors, or the sliding roof, the damage from scorching can develop into a fire.

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

A12/1235/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The screw connections in the gas installation of the built-in kitchen may be inadequate. As a consequence, gas may leak and, due to poor ventilation, an explosion cannot be ruled out if an ignition source is simultaneously present.

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

Engine and transmission

CFCA · 2.0 TDI

132 kW (179 HP) · diesel

DQ500 · 7-speed DSG, wet clutch, high-torque

DSG · 7 speed

Clutchwet
Torque limit600 Nm
MakerVolkswagen

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
L2H1 28 2.0 TDI 180hp 4Motion
Body
van
Fuel
diesel
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
1968 cc
Power
132 kW (179 HP)
Drive
AWD
Production
2015–2019

Factory service interval

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

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years
  • Engine oil and oil filter

    • LongLife30,000 km or 2 years(valid only with LongLife-approved oil)
    • 15,000 km or 1 year
  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)
  • Haldex coupling: oil and filter

    • 64,000 km or 3 years(40,000 miles, or 3 years per the older VW documentation)
  • DSG oil change, WET clutch gearbox

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Timing belt, 1.6 / 2.0 TDI (EA188/EA189/EA288)

    • 210,000 km(EA288, including the 1.6 TDI, with no time limit. 130,000 miles = 209,215 km. Parts maker repair specification, read by a human. The interval chart at https://www.rwcmotorsport.com/tech/tdi-maintenance.php gives the same figure independently.)
  • Coolant (antifreeze) change

    • first: 193,000 km or 10 years, then 97,000 km or 5 years(G13 / G12++: first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years)
  • Fuel filter, diesel

    • 60,000 km or 2 years

Information, not an expert opinion

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.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms