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Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) (2011-2022) reliability

At a glance

Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) built around 2018: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) models built around 2018 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

5.0% of MOT tests on Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) models built around 2018 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 2.7%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) models built around 2018 involves the tyres.

Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings2011-2022PickupDIESEL

Based on 26,007 tests of Amarok models registered 2011-2022.

About 1 in 20 Amarok Mk1 (2H) MOTs (5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2018 (7 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 3,173 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 Amarok Mk1 (2H) MOTs (5.9%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2018 (7 years old).

Based on 3,173 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 (2H) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
61312.9%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,63313.1%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,45615.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,17317.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,96518.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
3,27222.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,35122.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,75423.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,22124.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,27227.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
29724.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the Amarok Mk1 (2H) compares

At each age below, see how the Amarok Mk1 (2H) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 266,306 tests across 19 Volkswagen models, built around 2018 (7 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateVolkswagen average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
4 yearsbuilt around 2021
61312.9%
5 yearsbuilt around 2020
2,63313.1%
6 yearsbuilt around 2019
3,45615.8%
7 yearsbuilt around 2018
3,17317.5%
8 yearsbuilt around 2017
2,96518.7%
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
3,27222.4%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
3,35122.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
2,75423.5%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
2,22124.6%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
1,27227.6%
14 yearsbuilt around 2011
29724.6%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake pads

High priority

Ask when the pads were last replaced and check the warning-light history.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Shock absorbers

Worth checking

Bounce-test each corner; check for oily streaks down the strut bodies.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other pickups to compare

Other pickups, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Amarok Mk1 (2H).

  1. 1

    Mitsubishi L200

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    17.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.7%
    Dangerous
    4.6%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 4.6%, against 5.9% for the Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H).

    9,845 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  2. 2

    Isuzu D-Max

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.4%
    Dangerous
    4.3%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 4.3%, against 5.9% for the Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H).

    5,626 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  3. 3

    Nissan Navara

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    23.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    7%
    Dangerous
    4.6%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 4.6%, against 5.9% for the Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H).

    11,008 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

  4. 4

    Toyota Hilux

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    19.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5%
    Dangerous
    4.1%

    Fewer dangerous faults: 4.1%, against 5.9% for the Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H).

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    6,632 MOT tests on cars built around 2018

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.

Recall context

8 recalls in all

4 of the 8 Amarok Mk1 (2H) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 2 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Power steering return hose can become damaged and cause hydraulic fluid to leak and/or the power steering to fail
  • Airbag may not deploy
  • The lift cable of the spare wheel winch could snap under certain conditions

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on Amarok Mk1 (2H) cars built around 2018

The share of diesel cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 243 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
13%
Suspension
8%
Steering
8%
Drivetrain
1%

Wear items

Brakes
23%
Tyres
11%
Lighting
10%
How Amarok Mk1 (2H) cars have aged

How Amarok Mk1 (2H) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%35791113Age at MOTBuilt around 2020, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 12.2% (1,594 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2020, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (1,511 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2020, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (1,312 tests, 2025 data)2020Built around 2019, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 11.7% (2,959 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2019, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.4% (2,849 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2019, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 13.3% (2,548 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2019, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 15.9% (2,321 tests, 2025 data)2019Built around 2018, 3 years old at the time of MOT: 13.2% (2,687 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2018, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.5% (2,513 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2018, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.2% (2,404 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2018, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.8% (2,280 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2018, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 16.6% (2,079 tests, 2025 data)2018Built around 2017, 4 years old at the time of MOT: 13.0% (2,085 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2017, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 15.3% (1,907 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2017, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 17.4% (1,877 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2017, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.4% (1,757 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2017, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 17.6% (1,634 tests, 2025 data)2017Built around 2016, 5 years old at the time of MOT: 14.5% (2,145 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2016, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.9% (2,139 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2016, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.6% (2,005 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2016, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.1% (1,957 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2016, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (1,856 tests, 2025 data)2016Built around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 18.3% (2,539 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 18.9% (2,523 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (2,404 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.7% (2,344 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.0% (2,226 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 17.9% (2,018 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 20.9% (1,988 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.2% (1,898 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (1,925 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (1,758 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.4% (1,609 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.2% (1,556 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.4% (1,488 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 23.6% (1,453 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 24.4% (1,408 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 22.8% (1,021 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (991 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (913 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 27.2% (857 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 25.6% (805 tests, 2025 data)2012Built around 2011, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.5% (443 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2011, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.8% (412 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2011, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 28.2% (379 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2011, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 28.4% (342 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2011, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 24.6% (297 tests, 2025 data)2011
First registered around 2020First registered around 2019First registered around 2018First registered around 2017
How each part holds up as Mk1 (2H) cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 (2H) cars age

The share of diesel cars built 2017-2020 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car5 years6 years7 years8 years
Suspension1%3%8%9%
Brakes17%20%23%28%
Emissions4%13%13%14%
Tyres7%12%11%11%
Lighting4%8%10%9%
DrivetrainNo figureNo figure1%1%
Steering1%4%8%7%
Corrosion0%0%0%1%

Based on diesel cars in the 2017-2020 build-year band, from 92 to 253 cars at each age.

Mk1 (2H) variants compared
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Volkswagen Amaroks of this age

This list covers every Volkswagen Amarok built around 2018, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 (2H) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    13.2%
    Advisory: 417Fail: 11 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    12.7%
    Advisory: 611Fail: 30 (5% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.1%
    Advisory: 339Fail: 71 (17% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Shock absorber has a light misting of oil

    5.5%
    Advisory: 168Fail: 44 (21% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Minor

    Windscreen damaged, but the driver can still see clearly

    4.8%
    Advisory: 0Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 3,173 tests

Looking at a Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2018 (7 years old), the Volkswagen Amarok Mk1 (2H) (2011-2022) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 3,173 7-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 26,007 MOT tests on Volkswagen Amaroks first registered between 2011-2022. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.