Common Problems with the Volkswagen T-Roc
FixMyCar explores common problems with the Volkswagen T-Roc and average repair costs.
Compare Volkswagen T-Roc repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Thursday August 14 2025
4 min read
The Volkswagen T-Roc is a subcompact crossover SUV manufactured by VW since 2017. It sits between the larger Tiguan and smaller T-Cross and is often considered the SUV equivalent of the seventh-generation C-segment Golf.
This guide looks at common problems with the T-Roc that owners and potential buyers should be aware of.
What's wrong with the Volkswagen T-Roc?
Drivers commonly search online for information relating to the following issues.
Volkswagen T-Roc automatic transmission problem
The DSG gearbox used in automatic Volkswagen models can be problematic, with jerky gear changes and hesitation. Often, this is caused by a lack of maintenance - the fluid needs changing every 40,000 miles to keep it working smoothly. If you don't stick to this fluid change interval, it can cause serious (and expensive) problems.
Learn more about how DSG gearboxes work.
Volkswagen T-Roc recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2022/074 | 22.03.22 | On affected vehicles engine compartment covers were fitted that regardless of use (very sporty driving style or poor road condition) and operating period could come loose from their attachment. |
| R/2019/005 | 09.01.19 | The bonding of the upper and lower sections of the rear spoiler may be faulty. |
| R/2018/352 | 12.12.18 | The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded. |
| R/2018/301 | 01.11.18 | The electro-mechanical park brake may be released inappropriately. |
| R/2018/066 | 97.03.18 | Warnings instructions and information for 'Proactive Passenger Protection System' 'Airbag System' and 'Transporting Children Safely' are missing from the Owner's Manual. |
Volkswagen T-Roc 2017-2024 problems
Drivers have encountered the following problems with the first-generation T-Roc.
1. Faulty seatbelt retractor
Some T-Roc owners have reported issues with the front-right seatbelt retractor, which can lead to the belt getting stuck.
What repair is needed for a faulty seatbelt retractor, and how much does it cost for a Volkswagen T-Roc?
The average price of a T-Roc seatbelt repair on FixMyCar is £216.90.
2. Jerky ride
Some T-Roc models ‘kangaroo’ when pulling away in cold weather, a well-known issue with VW Group petrol engines. Even though Volkswagen has issued a fix for the problem, many drivers are still dissatisfied.
What repair is needed for a jerky ride, and how much does it cost for a Volkswagen T-Roc?
Volkswagen should have repaired any models affected by this issue.
3. Glitchy infotainment system
The infotainment system can be glitchy and unresponsive.
What repair is needed for a faulty infotainment system, and how much does it cost for a Volkswagen T-Roc?
Volkswagen has created software fixes for a few issues over the years. Try resetting the system and making sure it's up to date - if this doesn't work, it's best to contact a Volkswagen dealer who can provide expert help. Our average price data doesn't cover this type of repair.
4. AdBlue warning light
A warning light is triggered when the AdBlue tank is running low. However, some owners have reported that it fails to reset once the tank is full.
What repair is needed for an AdBlue warning light, and how much does it cost for a Volkswagen T-Roc?
The best thing to do is take your car to a Volkswagen dealer to reset the system. They will also be able to identify if a software fault is causing the warning light.
Volkswagen T-Roc 2025- problems
The second-generation T-Roc came out in 2025. Unfortunately, it's too soon to say if there are any common problems and what they might be. We will update this section of the guide as soon as more information is available.
Is the Volkswagen T-Roc reliable?
In the 2021 What Car? Reliability Survey, the T-Roc was ranked as the second most unreliable small SUV, scoring 86.5%. In the same survey, Volkswagen finished in 20th place out of 30 manufacturers.
The 2024 Reliability Survey painted the T-Roc in a much more favourable light - it came sixth out of 22 cars in the small SUV class with an excellent score of 98.4%. Volkswagen finished 18th out of 31 manufacturers, behind rivals Kia, Skoda and MINI.
Overall, there’s no denying that the T-Roc isn’t known for its outstanding reliability, but as you can see from the scores above, it’s not bad.
If you found this guide helpful, you might also like:
- Related topics:
- Common Problems
- Volkswagen
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Manager. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.