9 Apr 2025The Volkswagen Amarok is a solid, hardworking ute, but like any vehicle, it has known weak points. Whether you’re using it for towing, off-road adventures, or everyday work, certain parts are prone to wear and failure.
Below is a guide to some of the most common Amarok failures, why they happen, and what to do about them. Plus, we’ll give you an idea of how tricky the replacement job is—so you know whether to tackle it yourself or leave it to the experts.
Auxiliary Coolant / Water Pump
Fitting Time: 1-2 hours
This small but crucial pump helps circulate coolant through the EGR system and heater. When it fails, you might notice an engine warning light, overheating issues, or weak cabin heating. It’s located at the front of the engine, plumbed into the EGR valve and cooler.
Issue:
• Engine light on dash
• Overheating or coolant leaks
• Weak heating inside the cabin
• Often triggers the fault code P261A – "Coolant Pump B Circuit - Open"
Why it fails:
• Electrical failure (causing the dash light)
• Clogging or burnout over time, especially under heavy engine loads
Shop Additional Coolant Pump
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Engine Coolant / Water Pump
Fitting Time: 3-4 hours
The main water pump is essential for cooling the engine. A failed pump can quickly lead to overheating, risking head gasket damage or worse. If yours is leaking or making a grinding noise, it’s time for a replacement.
Issue:
• Coolant leaks
• Overheating
• Grinding noises from the pump
Why it fails:
• Seals wear out
• Bearings degrade
• Impellers break down (especially if coolant isn't changed regularly)
Shop Amarok Coolant Pumps
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Engine Coolant Thermostat
Fitting Time: 2-3 hours
The thermostat controls engine temperature, opening and closing as needed. If it sticks open, your engine runs cold, wasting fuel. If it sticks closed, overheating becomes a real danger.
Issue:
• Engine runs too hot or too cold
• Poor fuel economy and performance
Why it fails:
• Thermostat housing cracks and leaks
• Sticks open or closed, causing incorrect temperature regulation
Shop Amarok Thermostat
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EGR Valve with Cooler
Fitting Time: 4-6 hours
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve reduces emissions, but it’s notorious for clogging up with carbon deposits. If it fails, expect power loss, rough running, and engine warning lights.
Issue:
• Carbon build-up restricting exhaust gas flow
• Poor performance, rough idle
• Check engine light on
Why it fails:
• Diesel engines driven on short trips don’t get hot enough to do a regen and burn off carbon deposits
Shop Amarok EGR Valves
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Turbocharger Units
Fitting Time: 5-7 hours
The Amarok’s turbo adds power and efficiency, but over time it can suffer from oil contamination, boost leaks, and wear. A failing turbo will often whine, smoke, or cause a significant power loss.
Issue:
• Loss of power
• Excessive smoke from exhaust
• Whining noises from the engine bay
Why it fails:
• Oil contamination
• Boost leaks
• General wear from high mileage and towing
Contact us for a price on a good quality used Turbo Charger
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Heater Fans
Fitting Time: 1-2 hours
If your heater fans are weak or noisy, they may need replacing. Often, it's the blower motor failing due to worn-out brushes or faulty resistors.
Issue:
• Weak or no airflow from vents
• Rattling or grinding noises
Why it fails:
• Blower motor failure
• Worn-out bearings (if it's noisy)
Shop Amarok Heater Fans
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Tail Lights
Fitting Time: 30-60 minutes
A common Amarok issue is tail lights working intermittently or not at all. This is usually due to bad electrical connections in the bulb holders, rather than the bulbs themselves.
Issue:
• Flickering or non-functional lights
Why it fails:
• Poor electrical connections in the bulb holders
Shop Amarok Tail Lights
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Driver Window Switch
Fitting Time: 30 minutes
Over time, the window switch internals wear out, leading to unresponsive or intermittent operation. Fortunately, this is a quick and easy fix.
Issue:
• Window won’t respond or works intermittently
Why it fails:
• Wear and tear from frequent use
• Moisture damage
Shop Amarok Window Switches
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Door Catches
Fitting Time: 1-2 hours
If your doors won’t unlock, rattle while driving, or feel difficult to open, the door catch or latch may need replacement.
Issue:
• Doors won’t unlock properly
• Rattling noises while driving
• Difficult to open or close
Why it fails:
• Wear and tear over time
• Corrosion in high-moisture environments
Shop Amarok Door Catches / Latches
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Door Mirrors
Fitting Time: 30-60 minutes
Amarok mirrors are tough but not tradesman-proof. They often get knocked off, or the power adjustment fails due to motor burnout.
Issue:
• Power adjustment stops working
• Mirror becomes loose or gets knocked off
Why it fails:
• Internal motors burn out
• Mechanical parts wear down
Shop Amarok Door Mirrors
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Brake Rear Wheel Cylinder
Fitting Time: 1-2 hours
If your brake pedal feels soft or spongy, check the rear wheel cylinder. Amaroks use drum brakes at the rear, and these cylinders can leak brake fluid, leading to reduced braking power.
Issue:
• Soft or spongy brake pedal
• Fluid leaks near the rear wheels
Why it fails:
• Seals deteriorate over time, leading to fluid leaks
Shop Amarok Rear Wheel Cylinder
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Need VW Amarok Parts in NZ? We’ve Got You Covered.
At SD European, we stock high-quality OEM and aftermarket Amarok parts to keep your ute running smoothly. Whether you're fixing a failed EGR, a worn turbo, or just need routine service parts, we’ve got what you need.
✅ Fast NZ-wide shipping
✅ Expert support
✅ Fair prices on trusted brands
Shop VW Amarok Parts Now
