The Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion has long been a go-to for UK drivers looking for an efficient and practical hatchback. With its impressive fuel economy and affordable running costs, the Bluemotion variant of the Golf has been popular among commuters, fleet buyers and private motorists.

However, while the Golf Bluemotion delivers strong on efficiency, is it free from faults? In this guide, we take a closer look at the known issues and real-world problems experienced by owners across the UK.

Overall, the Golf Bluemotion fares reasonably well for reliability. Certain model years, especially earlier Mk6 and Mk7 Bluemotion versions, have shown patterns of specific faults. These include EGR valve issues, DPF (diesel particulate filter) problems, and concerns with the DSG gearbox.

What Car?’s reliability survey gave the 2013 - 2020 Golf a 90% reliability score, but they aren’t completely free from problems. However, many of the more serious issues can be mitigated with preventative maintenance and regular driving, something particularly important for diesel variants.

One of the most frequently reported problems in Golf Bluemotion models, especially diesel variants, is the failure of the EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve. Symptoms include a loss of power, 

The EGR valve can become clogged with carbon deposits, particularly in cars used for lots of short journeys. The cost of replacing the valve can be anywhere from £300–£600, depending on labour costs and model year.

Some owners have also reported carbon build-up in the intake manifold, leading to reduced performance and fuel economy.

All Bluemotion diesel engines are fitted with a DPF, or 

 However, these filters require regular high-temperature runs to self-clean through a process called regeneration. When used mainly for short trips or urban driving, the DPF cannot reach the required temperature to regen, leading to issues.

This issue is common among many modern diesel cars, not just Volkswagens, but is a known weak spot in Bluemotion models when not driven appropriately.

Many Bluemotion Golfs were sold with a DSG automatic gearbox. These offer great efficiency and performance, but need to be maintained to avoid costly faults. A bad DSG gearbox will cause: 

These issues can stem from mechatronic unit faults or clutch pack wear, particularly in earlier Mk6 models. Repairs can be costly, upwards of £1,200, so it’s vital to check the car's service history for those all-important gearbox service receipts.

It’s worth noting that VW extended some warranties on DSG boxes due to widespread issues in earlier production years.

Many Bluemotion models come with automatic start/stop systems to improve fuel efficiency. However, several owners have reported that the system:

While often just an annoyance, issues with the start/stop system can sometimes relate to low battery charge or faulty sensors. 

This may just be a symptom of the car's age, with most batteries only lasting around 5 years, but it’s worth checking that the start-stop function works effectively on any prospective car.

Despite these known faults, the Golf Bluemotion remains a very popular and sensible choice for many UK drivers, particularly for those doing regular long-distance driving where the diesel engines perform best.

That said, buyers should avoid high-mileage examples without full service history, and look for cars that have not had DPF issues, and have the DSG gearbox serviced. 

For those doing mostly short trips or city driving, a petrol or hybrid alternative may be more reliable and cost-effective in the long run.

If your car, regardless of if it’s a Volkswagen Golf or Porsche, develops an expensive issue, Bumper could help by spreading out your car repair costs with easy 

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 has been writing about cars for over seven years and writing for Bumper for over two, blending his passion for automobiles with a talent for storytelling.

Joseph has written about engineering and cars for Autozilla, Komaspec, and several engineering manufacturers. When he's not writing or tinkering with one of his cars, Joseph dreams of owning an Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale.

VW Golf Bluemotion Problems / Reliability Guide

Touted as the affordable Tesla by many upon its launch in 2017, the Model 3 gained serious popularity, making it the top selling EV in the world from 2018 to 2020. But does popularity necessarily mean reliability? 

This guide explains some of the common faults you should consider when buying a Tesla Model 3.

Whilst there have been some quality control concerns and safety recalls, the Model 3 is a pretty reliable car. It scored just under 94% in What Car?’s reliability survey, around the middle of the pack among other well known brands such as Polestar and Kia.

Tesla as a whole placed 10 out of 32 manufacturers in a similar survey which puts them in the top 30% of car brands in the UK, not too bad.

Across both the UK and US, the Model 3 has been affected by over 30 recalls, ranging from minor electrical faults that are fixed with a software update, to safety issues pertaining to brakes and suspension, here are some of the key ones to make sure have been addressed.

Addressed in two separate recalls, Tesla dealerships had to take back around 650 cars to ensure certain fasteners were tightened correctly. Naturally, this could have caused significant issues had it gone unaddressed. 

It’s unlikely you’ll come across a car that has not been back for the simple remedial work, but make sure to check for any un-repaired recall issues 

This recall and others like it were talked about a lot at the time, in 2019, but the reality is that very few cars were affected by this issue. The bolt held the steering column to the body of the car, something that could cause an issue during normal driving but especially in the event of an accident. 

If you do end up with a Model 3 that was affected, it’s probably worth buying a lottery ticket too, as only 5 out of the nearly 35,000 cars sold that year were missing the bolt.

Software Issue Affecting the Sound Sub-system

This is, in essence, the same issue that affected the Model Y too; an update rendered the e-call emergency alert warning system faulty. This is an issue that would only present during a crash, and affected quite a few cars, so it’s worth checking yours.

Around 9,500 cars were affected by the glitch; thankfully, reversing the update fixed the problem, with no need to visit the dealership.

Another fault that is all too common in Tesla circles is the poor bodywork and paint finish. It's suspected that the high demand for Teslas caused quality control issues to crop up. One of the things often mentioned online is debris or contaminants inside the paint finish. 

Not only is this an eyesore once you notice it, but it could lead to improper protection of the panels. If you’re buying a used Tesla, there’s likely no recourse for this issue, so make sure you check over any prospective purchases thoroughly. 

Electric cars use two electrical systems: a high-voltage system that powers the motors to drive the car along, and a low-voltage system similar to that of a normal car. Some owners experienced issues with the low-voltage system not working properly.

Whilst the issues were generally fixed promptly by Tesla, usually within one day, they did cause significant problems, and often resulted in the car being unable to drive until the low-voltage battery was charged or replaced. 

The Model 3 represents a shift in electric vehicles, from drab and boring but expensive cars, to a more exciting and cost-effective package. Both second-hand prices and finance fees are very low at the moment, so it could be a good time to buy. 

Purely on technical merit, I’d say the Model 3 is worth looking into, and the few niggly issues shouldn’t put you off entirely.

Electric, Petrol or Diesel powered cars can hit us with large unexpected bills from time to time. Bumper can offer 

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Tesla Model 3 Problems / Reliability Guide

Tesla changed the way we think about electric cars with the launch of the Model S in 2014, the Model Y represented a further leap forward, with its higher driving position and unique gullwing doors. 

Whilst the Model Y offers great power, range and tech, can it be equally as reliable? In this guide, we take a look at any common faults, and potential issues owners face. 

Yes, the Model Y is generally quite reliable. Some sources have cited mixed reviews from owners, with one stating nearly 40% of drivers discovered an issue in the first year of ownership. Despite this, the Model Y placed first in What Car?’s reliability survey.

By all accounts, the 2023 onwards cars are better built and cause fewer issues than the previous models.

On some cars built between May 2022 and September 2023, a software update was required to address an issue with the steering system. In cold weather the steering could begin to feel notchy and not smooth.

Interestingly, this fault was fixed through a software update that didn’t require owners to take their car into the dealership. Despite the initial fault meaning the cars affected may not comply with ECE safety regulations, Tesla brand the recall update as for “smoother steering”.

A recall affecting nearly 9,500 cars’ audio system caused issues with the car’s external speakers, but was again resolved through a simple software update. The issue came about due to a quirky feature that allowed owners to play audio through the cars pedestrian-warning system speakers. 

These PWS speakers are a mandated feature that helps alert pedestrians of an otherwise silent vehicle, the “Boombox” feature meant this could become non-compliant with the relevant laws surrounding the PWS feature.

Something that has been commonly reported with many Teslas, is their poor fitment and quality control on the body panels. With owners sharing images of uneven and large panel gaps online.

What's more, some owners of cars only 2-3 years old are seeing the paint issues across multiple panels, with debris inclusions and other paint quality issues. This is a known issue with the company's processes, but seems to have improved over time.

Even in 2025, Tesla offers the best charger network by far, which, coupled with the virtually unparalleled performance of the dual motor Model Y for the money, I’d say the Model Y is still a good buy. 

However, this only really applies if you are looking for the SUV bodystyle, because there are some incredible cars in other segments, such as offerings from Volvo, Polestar and BMW to name a few.

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Tesla Model Y Problems / Reliability Guide

The Ford Puma is a relaunch of an old model, but instead of a sporty 2-door coupe, the new one is a crossover-style SUV, to cater to a modern market. The Puma borrows many of its underpinnings from the outgoing Fiesta, but is it as reliable as the Fiestas of old?

In this guide, we take a look at any common problems with the Puma, and its overall reliability. We’ll cover:

Overall, the Puma scores quite well on reliability charts, with a score of 90% on WhatCar?’s survey; that said, it placed near the bottom in their small–SUV ratings, placing 17 out of 22.

Thankfully, most issues were resolved pretty quickly, but reports ranged across most aspects of the car, from engine issues to electrical and build quality. 

A manufacturer recall is when a defect with the design or manufacturing of the car is detected, forcing them to offer a free remedial service via main dealer garages. The Ford Puma has had a number of recalls since its introduction in 2019.

To check if your car has been recalled, enter your VIN number on the 

Part of the assembly that holds the driver's airbag to the steering wheel was found to be faulty. The remedy is pretty simple but vital: a new spring is fitted to the assembly at a Ford dealership.

Around 24,000 vehicles were affected by this issue, so be sure to check if your car is one of them.

eCall is Ford's automatic emergency services telephone system, which sends your location to the emergency services in the event of a serious accident. A software update at the main dealer is all that's needed to resolve this issue. Thankfully, only around 100 cars were affected.

An oil separator is part of the engine's PCV system, something that helps to reduce harmful emissions from the engine by recirculating them through the engine. An issue was detected across many Ford vehicles, including the Puma, Fiesta and more. 

The issue came about from a damaged batch of Oil Separators that were fitted to around 9,800 Pumas. The fix involves checking for damage and replacing if necessary.

On some Hybrid Pumas, it was noticed that the battery terminals on the hybrid battery system were not tightened to the correct torque level, potentially giving rise to them loosening over time. 

This one was a very easy fix for the Ford mechanics, and only affected around 430 cars, so whilst it isn’t a huge concern, you should still be sure to check if your car has had the recall work done.

Almost every Puma available in the UK is fitted with an EcoBoost petrol engine, which is most likely due to its high fuel economy and respectable power figures. However, the Ford EcoBoosts used to be somewhat infamous for their reliability issues.

The main problem in the UK with EcoBoost engines is caused by the wet cambelt design, however, the Puma uses the redesigned EcoBoost engine with a timing chain instead. Although the oil pump is still driven by a wet belt. 

You can read more about the issues with the wet belt here. In short, the belt can cause issues with the oil supply to the engine, so make sure you select a car that has a full service history.

Some owners have reported overheating issues with their Puma, something that can lead to serious engine damage if left untreated. Most owners find the issue presents at higher RPMs. Symptoms include a high temperature on the gauge and a lack of hot air from the car's heater. 

The cause of the fault lies with an electric valve between the coolant hoses and the heater matrix. This causes a restriction in the flow of coolant around the engine.

The Puma offers a good compromise between style, compactness for city driving and an elevated SUV driving position. If these features are important, and you can secure a car with a great service history, the Puma is definitely worth considering.

Regardless of what car you drive, Bumper can offer 

Ford Puma Problems / Reliability Guide

First introduced in the early 90s, the Sportage still makes up a large proportion of Kia’s sales, proving the SUV body style coupled with a wide range of engine and trim options is a crowd pleaser in the UK market. 

Kia offers a great warranty as standard on their cars, but does that mean you should consider buying one for a reliable, dependable family car? In this guide, we’ll find out:

Petrol-engined Sportages are generally considered to be reliable, scoring over 90% on WhatCar?'s surveys, with most problems being minor and fixed promptly. The Diesel engined Sportage, on the other hand, has quite a poor record. 

Over half the diesel cars surveyed had an issue, most of these being engine-related, and taking over a week to resolve. This gave the Diesel Sportage a reliability rating of just 66%.

Recalls happen when a manufacturing or design fault is detected after the cars have been sold, requiring the affected vehicles to be brought back to the dealership garages to have the issue resolved. Recalls are paid for by the manufacturer. 

The Sportage model made from 2019 onwards has a few recalls, some affecting a large number of vehicles. Check for outstanding 

Nearly 7,000 cars, made between August 2022 and March 2023, are affected by a software glitch that affects the start-up of the instrument cluster in certain situations. This can mean the driver is not shown the digital dash correctly. 

The fix is simple, a software update applied by the Kia main dealer.

An issue with the tandem oil pump inside the engine can affect the lubrication of the vacuum pump and cause premature failure. In turn, this can cause a loss of vacuum pressure, reducing the effect of the power-assisted brakes. Ultimately, this fault can reduce braking effort.

With quite a large number of cars affected (around 21,000), it’s vital to check your car, or any prospective cars for this issue. The remedy is fairly involved, requiring the oil pump to be checked and repaired if found to be faulty.

Another vacuum pump-related problem, this time the fault is with the ECU’s software, causing increased RPM and therefore load on the vacuum pump at start-up. This again can cause the vacuum pump to fail, resulting in reduced braking assistance. 

Thankfully, this fault is good bit easier to resolve, requiring just a software tweak. This fault only affected around 3,000 cars, so it’s less likely to affect yours, but it’s still worth checking.

The most common engine faults to occur with the Sportage involve the diesel engine variant, rather than the petrol. Faults range from blocked DPFs, faulty EGR valves and rough running. 

A DPF or Diesel Particulate Filter is a device that filters out a lot of the emissions produced by a diesel engine. It does this by trapping the soot and performing a high-temperature flushing cycle called a regeneration. Faults have been noted by a number of owners that, despite using the car for longer journeys, the DPF became clogged. Check out the average 

An EGR valve is another emissions-limiting device that recirculates an amount of exhaust gases back into the engine. If it fails or becomes clogged, as some drivers have reported with the Sportage, it can cause poor running and a rough engine idle. Typically, resolution involves removing and cleaning the EGR valve, which can be costly depending on the severity. 

Offering a good compromise between efficiency and interior space, it’s clear to see why the Sportage is one of Britain's best-selling cars. That said, with the number of owners having issues with the diesel engine variants, I would definitely recommend the petrol or hybrid options.

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Kia Sportage Problems / Reliability Guide

The Toyota Yaris Cross, introduced in 2021, is a crossover version of the extremely popular Yaris. It features a similar compact layout, making it great for city driving, with the higher driving position of a crossover. 

But should you consider a Yaris Cross for your next car, are they reliable, and do they have any known problems? In this article, we explain all.

Yes. Toyota regularly ranks in the top three manufacturers for reliability, and did so in 2023, only being beaten by their sister company, Lexus. The Yaris seems to follow this trend too, placing 5th out of 22 cars in WhatCar?’s small car reliability test.

Further to that, Toyota offers a good 3-year warranty from new, which is extended for a year every time you get a service done at a Toyota dealership - that’s a pretty good deal and should give peace of mind.

A number of owners have reported issues with the Yaris Cross’ 12V battery system not being able to start the engine when leaving the car for more than a few days, or doing many short trips. The cause is thought to be the hybrid system not charging the battery sufficiently.

Some owners, via their Toyota warranty, have had the problem fixed with a larger capacity battery. This is a pretty simple fix, but it is a problem that most cars never have an issue with! The consensus is that the original battery is too small capacity.

If you are experiencing this issue, be sure to contact Toyota before fitting a larger battery yourself though, as a non standard battery could void the warranty.

One of the many concerns from would-be hybrid owners is the longevity of the hybrid system, especially the battery. It’s a justified concern, as it’s vital to the function of the car, and can be expensive to replace. 

Unfortunately, as the Yaris Cross only came out a few years ago, we don’t have much information on this. There are very few reports of hybrid batteries needing to be replaced. 

For peace of mind, Toyota typically offers a 10-year battery warranty on the high-voltage battery used to power the hybrid system, but be sure to check this is the case with your car. 

The Yaris Cross, like many modern petrol cars, comes fitted with a Petrol Particulate Filter (PPF or GPF). Much like a Diesel Particulate Filter, this reduces the amount of particulates that are emitted from the car's exhaust.

Some owners have reported issues with the PPF becoming clogged, despite using the car, and this causing the car to have limited power whilst driving. This can be a scary experience if it happens whilst on the motorway.

Like issues with DPFS, this clogging is mainly caused by limited usage, short journeys or infrequent use. This means a car with very low mileage might not be as reliable as one that’s done nearer the UK average per year.

Whilst this is not really a reliability issue, it is something that many owners pick fault with on the Yaris Cross: cabin noise at high speeds. This is probably a symptom of the car's lack of sound insulation - to keep weight and fuel consumption down - and its raised ride height. 

In some cases, owners have resorted to cruising at lower speeds when on the motorway, or swapping the car for something else altogether.

Again, whilst this isn’t going to leave you stranded, it’s something to consider if you do lots of high-speed motorway driving. 

From our research, the Yaris Cross seems to have very few recurring issues. I’d be happy to recommend this car to anyone, provided the storage space, styling and wind noise are not a limiting factor! 

Considering also the impressive Toyota warranty, I would say a Toyota of any kind is one of the best buys on today's new, nearly new or used market. 

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Toyota Yaris Cross Problems / Reliability Guide

Toyota Yaris Cross – Problemas y Guía de Fiabilidad

Problem-und Pannenübersicht zum Toyota Yaris Cross

The Ford EcoBoost engine was first launched in early 2012 as a 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, with a power output comparable to that of a much larger engine, whilst still keeping emissions low. 

Since then, the EcoBoost has been available in almost all of Ford UK’s range of cars, but it has not come without its issues, to the point where you’ll get many people suggesting not to buy any EcoBoost-engined cars at all. 

So what's the truth behind the Ford EcoBoost engine reliability, and should you avoid them?

What is the Problem With EcoBoost Engines?

The wet belt: Engines require a system to keep the rotation of the crankshaft in time with the rotation of the camshaft(s), in most modern cars, this is done with either a cam belt or cam chain. Learn more about the 

The EcoBoost engine used what’s known as a “wet belt”, this is a rubber cam belt that runs in a bath of oil to reduce noise and friction within the engine. The issue comes in that engine oil, particularly that contaminated with fuel, degrades the rubber of the belt over time. 

This degradation led to remnants of the belt becoming clogged in the oil pickup at the bottom of the engine. This leads to improper lubrication, premature wear and/or catastrophic engine failure.

It’s important to bear in mind that despite some owners having issues, if well maintained, the vast majority of Ecoboost engines offer reliable and efficient service to their owners. That said, some engines in the lineup don’t have the aforementioned “wet belt” issue.

Certain 1.5-litre engines, and certainly those made after 2019, do not suffer from the wet cam belt issue, but some do still use a wet belt to drive the oil pump, so these can experience similar issues.

With the likelihood of having a cam belt issue depending on the year of manufacture, engine model and service history, it’s best to double-check the car you are looking at sufficiently before committing.

Since the EcoBoost was released, most of Ford's cars have the engine, including:

How to Avoid EcoBoost Issues With Your Ford

If you already own a Ford with an EcoBoost engine, don’t panic, there are a few things you can do to avoid the dreaded engine failure issue, starting with:

How Much Does Repairing an EcoBoost Engine Cost?

If your EcoBoost has suffered significant damage associated with the wet belt clogging the oil pickup, it is likely you will need a new engine. On average, owners pay around £5,600 for a new engine to be fitted. 

In some cases, the engine is not a complete write-off and can be repaired at a lower cost; this will depend on how long the engine has been running with low oil pressure. 

In some cases, as a “gesture of goodwill”, Ford have assisted with the cost of replacing the engine. This is rare, however, and will often require a comprehensive history of the car, and even an independent report proving the belt is the cause of the problem, rather than servicing.

What to Do if Your EcoBoost Engine Fails?

If you have a Ford with an EcoBoost engine that has broken due to a wet belt issue, and the car is outside of warranty, you really only have two choices: either replace the damaged engine or sell the car as-is. 

With replacement engines costing over £5,000, it is a careful balance to decide if the car is worth it, compare prices of cars on the used market, with similar spec, mileage and year. 

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Ford EcoBoost Engine Reliability

 was added to the VW range in 2019 to capitalise on the popularity of the compact-SUV bodystyle. Sales were strong, with many people liking the elevated ride height, however, some owners did report some issues with build quality and reliability of the T-Cross. 

If you’re in the market for a used T-Cross, make sure to read this guide on all their common and potential problems.

Yes, overall the T-Cross is reliable, achieving a 98% reliability rating from What Car? magazine. This means it is generally more reliable than VW cars on average, with the company placing 18th out of 31 manufacturers in 2018.

A recall was issued for a very small number of VW T-Cross models, when a defect was discovered that affected the deployment of the side curtain airbags - the ones that cover the side window area. It only affected cars made between late May and early June 2019. 

It is extremely unlikely that your car would be affected, as only 35 cars fall into the date bracket, but it’s still worth checking if you already own a T-Cross or are looking into buying one. 

A recall happens when the manufacturer is made aware of a quality issue or fault that could be dangerous, they are obliged to have the fault repaired at one of their dealerships, at no cost to the owner.

You can check to see if your car is affected by this or any other recalls by using the government site 

The most common engine used in the T-Cross is the VW 1.0 TSI engine, which is a 3-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, available in most of the company's smaller cars, as well as many SEATS, Skodas and Audis. 

It is an incredibly well-made engine, with good power and economy figures, especially for its size, but there is one issue that could be considered a known problem - the turbo actuator.

The turbo is a device attached to the car's engine that essentially makes it more efficient; most modern cars, petrol or diesel, are now fitted with a turbo. The fault causes the turbo to not operate, hindering performance and efficiency.

The fault is likely to present as a warning light on the dashboard, and/or reduced performance. Either symptom may cause the other to occur, so you’ll usually be able to tell pretty quickly if this has happened.

Some sources say the actuator fault was remedied after 2020, by an upgraded design, so you should be okay in a car made in 2020 or later, but it’s good to be aware of the issue ahead of time.

The T-Cross comes as standard with a techy digital dashboard, which is great for being able to show all different bits of information as you're driving, but it can be the source of problems on some models. 

Owners have complained of two issues: not receiving a warning when the rear seatbelts are not being used, and issues with the adaptive cruise and front assist features. Both are said to be caused by a fault within the cluster itself. 

The rear seatbelt issue can be resolved with a simple part replacement, and the adaptive cruise problem is usually resolved with a software update, but both issues are best resolved at the dealership.

If you’re looking for a compact SUV and like the styling of the T-Cross, I wouldn't let the above issues put you off. Overall, they’re well put-together cars, with a highly efficient and reliable engine.

With base models starting at around £25,000, it offers pretty good value compared to many other SUVs. For more information on the best cheap SUVs available in the UK, check out 

If you're experiencing issues with the VW T-Cross don't despair. You can split the cost of repairs and services with Bumper's 

Joseph Law

Bumper Content Writer