How can I fix my Volkswagen Golf's DPF problems?

I have a 2011 Volkswagen Golf Plus diesel with approx 54,000 miles on the clock. It has a problem with the DPF (diesel particulate filter) light which comes on and then forces the car into limp mode. It has now been to the local dealer on six occasions and each time they tell me it is fixed but then the light comes back on.

It has now been with them for nearly two months and they cannot make any progress. So I am paying tax and insurance on a car I cannot use. Is this a common fault and is the car fit for purpose?

Asked on 18 May 2021 by Chris

Answered by Andrew Brady

We'd only recommend diesel vehicles to people who cover high motorway miles. It sounds like you don't cover enough miles to warrant a diesel, which is causing the DPF to become blocked. You could try using DPF cleaner and taking it on a good motorway run every 300 miles or so. But in the long run you'd be better selling it and buying a petrol model, though.

Tags: diesel engines diesel cars dpf issues

Similar questions

Will short journeys in a diesel car cause issues?

I have a 2014 Mercedes SLK diesel roadster. Will making multiple short journeys of 5-10 miles cause a problem with the exhaust system? If so, would some longer or faster journeys prevent the problem? If...

We aren't using our diesel car enough during lockdown. Can we do anything to prolong the time before problems start?

We have a BMW X3 diesel, which we have had for five years. It's a 2012 model with 65,000 miles on the clock. Understandably, we have only done 3000 miles this year, mostly short trips and are quite obviously...

I want one last great diesel estate car. What would you recommend as a simple option?

I drive 25,000 business miles per year and do not think battery-electric would be suitable for my next vehicle. I recently saw an advert for the advanced technology on an Audi diesel and it frightened...

Related models