VW T-Cross (since 2019): known problems and buying guide

A workable buy with full service records; check the rear brakes, the airbag and seatbelt recalls by VIN, and the stop-start.

Updated 26 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
1.0 TSI, 116 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€382	€25,899	2,394	Petrol	DUS	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	since 2024
1.5 TSI, 150 PS, 7-speed dual-clutch Research	€393	€28,430	796	Petrol	DXD	Automatic (dual-clutch) (7)	since 2024
1.0 TSI, 95 PS, 5-speed manual Research	€367	€20,690	660	Petrol	DLA, DUS	Manual (5)	since 2024
1.0 TSI, 116 PS, 6-speed manual Research	€379	€22,900	656	Petrol	DUS	Manual (6)	since 2024

Years: 2019 to today. Facelift from 2024. The 1.6 TDI was sold only from April 2019 to September 2020.
Reliability: 3/5. Breakdowns fell from 5.8 to 2.9 per 1,000 cars (ADAC, 2019 to 2023 cars), but the UK Driver Power survey ranked it 66th of 75.
DIY: 3/5. Pads, discs and filters are simple. Stop-start, sensors and the gearbox need a workshop and a scanner.
Biggest risk: open safety recalls, the curtain airbag and the seatbelt warning. Check both by VIN with a dealer.
Prefer: a later car with service records; most reported faults are on early cars. Avoid: an early 1.0 TSI 115 manual with no stop-start check, and any car with an open recall.

1.0 TSI (DKL, DLA, DUS, DKR): 95 PS with a five-speed manual; 110-116 PS with a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG. Early 115 PS manuals have the stop-start fault below. See the 1.0 TSI guide for engine faults.
1.5 TSI (DPC, DXD): 150 PS, seven-speed DSG only. See the 1.5 TSI evo guide.
1.6 TDI (DGT): 95 PS diesel, sold from April 2019 to September 2020 only. No guide yet.
Seven-speed DSG (DQ200, dry clutch): a dual-clutch automatic on every T-Cross, front-wheel drive only. See the DQ200 guide for clutch wear and other gearbox faults.

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
Curtain airbag may not inflate	2019 builds, 20 May to 21 June 2019	Not stated	Recall; repair not stated
Engine cuts out and start-stop faults	1.0 TSI 115 PS manual, early cars	Not stated	No confirmed price
Seatbelt warning shows the wrong status	2020-2022 builds; Polo and Taigo too	Not stated	Software update; price not stated
Rear brake discs scored and worn	Cars with rear discs	Not stated	150-400 EUR, discs and pads (Germany, year not stated)
Interior squeaks and rattles	Early cars, most reports	Not stated	Not stated
Wipers judder in heavy rain	All cars	Not stated	Not stated

Look through the wheel at the rear discs and pads. Check whether the car has rear discs or drums; drums last longer. Bad result: deep grooves, rust, or pads a few millimetres thick. Expect 150-400 EUR (Germany, year not stated).
Start the car cold and drive with the stop-start on and off. Watch for the engine stopping on its own. Bad result: stalls or a start-stop error. A scanner reads the stored faults.
Ask a dealer to check the VIN for seatbelt warning campaign KBA 013014 (VW code 90V6). Bad result: an open campaign, or the belt warning wrong in the cluster.
Ask a dealer to check the VIN for curtain airbag campaign VW 69AN. Bad result: an open campaign.
Drive over bumps and run the dashboard vent with the car cold. Bad result: a squeak from the pillar beside the windscreen, or a rattle that stays after warm-up.
Test the wipers in heavy rain. Bad result: judder or sticking blades.
Ask for the brake fluid change record. It is due every two years. Bad result: no record. About GBP 80 in the UK (year not stated).
Ask a dealer for all open campaigns by VIN, not only those listed here. Bad result: any open campaign.

Operational	€182
Workshop	€86
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€114
Total per month	€382
New-car depreciation (not included)	€159

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

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.