VW Nutzfahrzeuge Transporter T5 facelift 2.0 TDI, 102 PS, 5-speed manual (2009–2015)

Research for this car

• Generation guide VW T5 (2003-2015): known problems and buying guide

  A practical van with costly diesel weak spots; check the injectors, camshaft, flywheel, DSG and body rust before you buy.

• Engine guide VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Start the cold 2.0 TDI and watch the exhaust. Bad result: white smoke, coolant loss or rising oil use. A scanner reads EGR faults.
2. Check the sills, wheel arches, sliding door rails, tailgate seam and windscreen frame with a screwdriver. Bad result: soft metal, bubbling paint or a poor repair.
3. Check open recall campaigns by VIN with a VW dealer. Bad result: an open campaign.

From the engine guide

1. Turbo (needs a scanner). Read boost faults and check the vanes. Bad: power loss, whistle or smoke.
2. DPF (needs a scanner). Read soot and ash loading. Bad: frequent regeneration or high oil level.
3. Intake manifold (pressure test). Pressure-test the cooling system. Bad: coolant loss with no puddle, worse under load.
4. EGR cooler (pressure test). Cap the cooler hoses and repeat the test. Bad: it holds only with the cooler bypassed.
5. Water pump and heater. Start cold; heater must blow hot. Bad: weak heat, wandering gauge, dried coolant.
6. Oil pump drive (needs a scanner). Listen for a rattle at idle and check for oil-pressure codes. Bad: a red oil-pressure warning.
7. Belt and pump invoices. Ask for dated belt, pump and thermostat invoices. No record means budget for a belt job.
8. Recall check. Enter the VIN in the official recall check. Bad: an open 23Z7 campaign on a T6.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions