Volkswagen Amarok Problems

I understand what you're trying to do, and the Amarok wheel might well fit, but I wouldn't recommend it. The Amarok wheels are 16 x 6.5-inch, the Q5's are 17 x 8-inch. Go to an Audi dealer, or a specialist mechanic and try to find a more suitable steel wheel.

The deal VW has offered you on the diff rebuild is the industry standard deal on a car that is a few years old and has done a few kays, such as yours. It's frustrating for you, but cars do wear out and do break down. Regarding the belt and tensioner, they are normally considered consumable parts and not covered by the warranty. If you could prove that it was design or production fault that caused the problem you could make a claim against the company.

That's not remotely unusual. It's not about soft-compound pads but actually about soft-compound brake discs, which are essential with anti-lock brakes and without asbestos in brake pads. Your Amarok is also big and heavy so, even if you drive gently, it's not going to be easy on brakes. You could look into DBA replacement disc rotors.

That’s usually a result of using the wrong key, or of wear of the key or the lock barrel. As your car is relatively new it shouldn’t be wear, but I would suspect that the key is not mating perfectly with the lock barrel. I would approach VW for a solution, perhaps a new lock and keys.

The lock barrel spinning is usually a sign of the key being worn. When it happens remove the key and insert it again, or use the spare key, which presumably won't be worn.

This is just another example of VW dodging a problem they know exists. Yours is not the only Amarok to suffer this problem, other owners have experienced the same thing. The auxiliary belt fails due to dirt and dust and bits of the belt find their way into the timing belt and cause tat to fail or jump teeth. The end result is often a destroyed engine, as has happened to your car. It's poor design, inadequate testing, and questionable ethics on VW's part having discovered the problem. Even though the warranty has expired on your car VW is still responsible through the statutory laws around consumer protection. The car as it was sold to you is clearly not fit for purpose, it has a design flaw that led to the failure of the engine. Do not take VW's denial of responsibility as the end of the matter; they are only trying to fob you off. Go straight to the top of VW Australia and contact the company's boss, John White directly.

First and foremost VW is required to fix your car and it would seem by what you say they are not doing it satisfactorily. You need to keep the pressure on the dealer and VW, and ask them when they will have it fixed. You should also be given a replacement vehicle of the same sort while your car is being repaired. If they cannot fix it within, say the next week or two, then press for a replacement car or your money back. If it gets to that stage you might be best to employ a solicitor to act on your behalf.

I loved the great work of Mike and Mal Leyland. You've spoilt some of the myth by revealing this secret.