Review: Volkswagen T5.I Transporter van (2004-10)

Overview

Released in April 2004, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Transporter was a two-seat van available in standard and long wheelbase models (3000 mm and 3400mm, respectively). From 2006, however, the VW T5 Transporter was available in a Crewvan edition which had a three-seat rear bench behind the driver and front passenger. The Volkswagen T5.I Transporter was also in four variants: the 2.0i, 3.2i, 1.9 TDI and 2.5 TDI (see table below).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T5.I Transporter included a driver’s airbag, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The Transporter 2.5 TDI and 3.2i variants were further equipped with a front passenger airbag.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing, a 2008 VW T5 Transporter 1.9TDI – fitted with dual front airbags – received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 26.93. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for both front occupants and there was a moderate risk of serious chest injury for the front passenger. In the side impact test, the maximum score was attained.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Transporter 1.9 TDI – with peak power of 63 kW – included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front fog lights, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

As standard, the Transporter was also fitted with an electronic differential lock.

The Transporter 77 kW 1.9 TDI, 2.0i and 2.5 TDI were further equipped with remote central locking, power windows and power mirrors. Beyond this, the Transporter 128 kW 2.5TDI and 3.2i also featured cruise control.

Review: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter van (2010-15)

Overview

Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Transporter van introduced a revised range with new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and transmissions, including a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). There was also a choice of different roof height (low, mid and high), single or twin sliding side doors and lift-up or barn-style tailgates.

Visually, the VW T5.II Transporter could be identified by its new headlights, bonnet, grille, bumper, door mirrors and tail-lights. Inside, there was an updated dashboard, steering wheel, air conditioning controls, audio panel and re-shaped seats; there was also a choice of bucket or bench seating.

In July 2012, the Transporter van range was expanded with the introduction of TDI340 BlueMotion editions. To minimise fuel consumption, the TDI340 BlueMotion was fitted with Volkswagen’s Stop/Start system (i.e. engine shutdown when stationary), low-rolling resistance tyres and ‘regenerative braking’ which inversely varied alternator output according to engine load.

Safety equipment

Compared to its T5.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the VW T5.II Transporter van was upgraded to include dual front airbags and electronic stability control. For models with two individual front bucket seats, front seat-mounted side airbags were also fitted as standard.

Features

Standard features for the VW T5.II Transporter included a two speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility and an auxiliary input, air conditioning, daytime running lights, rear fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser.

2012 and 2014 Transporter Runner

In August 2012, limited edition Volkswagen Transporter Runner models were introduced. Solely available as TDI250 variants, the Runner editions were differentiated by their hard-wearing ‘Runner’ trim and unique ‘Runner’ badging. Production of the Transporter Runner was limited to 350 vehicles.

The Transporter TDI250 Runner was released again in 2014.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (December 2012)
• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (March 2014)

Related links

• Specifications: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (March 2014)
• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Transporter
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen T5 Transporter

Review: Volkswagen T5.I Transporter cab chassis (2004-10)

Overview

Released in September 2004, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Transporter cab chassis was available in single and dual cab bodies on standard and long wheelbase chassis; the standard wheelbase models, however, were discontinued in 2006. Engine choices for the T5.I Transporter cab chassis consisted of 1.9-litre and 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engines, with the latter available in 96 kW and 128 kW power outputs. Although the majority of models were front-wheel drive, the 3.2i variants were available Volkswagen’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system. The full range is given in the table below.

4Motion all-wheel drive system

The Volkswagen Transporter’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system utilised a second generation Haldex limited slip coupling with a mechanical hydraulic pump. In ordinary conditions, the system provided a 90:10 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, the coupling would engage all-wheel drive and begin to transfer torque to the rear axle with one-quarter of a wheel’s rotation.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T5.I Transporter cab chassis included a driver’s airbag, ABS, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 2.5 TDI variants were further equipped with a front passenger airbag.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen Transporter cab chassis included a four speaker sound system with CD player, air conditioning, front fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and an immobiliser. The Transporter was also fitted with an electronic differential lock as standard.

The Transporter 2.5 TDI – with peak power of 128 kW – was further equipped with cruise control.

Review: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter cab chassis (2010-15)

Overview

Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Transporter cab chassis introduced a long wheelbase-15ly range, new 2.0-litre turbo and bi-turbo diesel engines and transmissions, including a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). The range initially consisted of the 103TDI and 132TDI variants. In September 2011, however, the 103TDI variant was renamed as the TDI340 and the 132TDI became the TDI400.

Visually, the Volkswagen T5.II Transporter could be identified by its new headlights, bonnet, grille, door mirrors and tail-lights. Inside, there was an updated dashboard, steering wheel, air conditioning controls, audio panel and re-shaped seats; there was also a choice of bucket or bench seating.

Safety equipment

Compared to its T5.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Volkswagen T5.II Transporter cab chassis was upgraded to include dual front airbags and electronic stability control. For models with two individual front bucket seats, front seat-mounted side airbags were also fitted as standard.

Features

Standard features for the Volkswagen T5.II Transporter cab chassis included a two speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility and an auxiliary input, air conditioning, daytime running lights, rear fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel and immobiliser.

The dual cab 132TDI and TDI400 were also fitted with cruise control.

Brochures

• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (December 2012)
• Brochure: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (March 2014)

Related links

• Specifications: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter (March 2014)
• Volkswagen Australia: Volkswagen Transporter
• Wikipedia.org: Volkswagen T5 Transporter

Recalls: Volkswagen T5 Transporter van

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volkswagen T5 Transporter van

Volkswagen T5 Transporter 1.9 TDI: fuel pump may break

In March 2005, a recall was issued for Volkswagen T5 Transporter vehicles that had 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engines. In these vehicles, the fuel pump may break as a result of a production fault. As a result, the pump housing was not tight and a diesel fuel leak could occur (PRA 2005/7612).

2004 Volkswagen T5 Transporter: handbrake may not fully engage

In July 2006, a recall was issued for Volkswagen T5 Transporter vehicles that were manufactured between February 2004 and June 2004. In these vehicles, the handbrake may not fully engage and a sudden release of the handbrake may cause the vehicle to roll (PRA 2006/8610).

2009 Volkswagen T5 Transporter 2.0 TDI: potential fuel leak and fire

In February 2012, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Transporter models fitted with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and manufactured between 2009 and 2011. In these vehicles, the engine’s fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line, producing a resonance that creates additional stress in the fuel line. As a result, the injector line for the number two cylinder could develop small cracks and cause fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could therefore result. To fix, Volkswagen installed an improved fuel injector line for the number two cylinder and vibration dampers on all of the injector lines (PRA 2012/13017).

Volkswagen T5 Transporter van: flat battery due to cooling fan continually running

In March 2013, a recall was issued for Volkswagen T5 Transporter vans due to the cooling fan potentially running even when the ignition was switched off – this could result in a flat battery (PRA 2013/13509).

2008-15 model year Volkswagen T5 Transporter van: Takata airbag recall

In August 2018, recall campaign 69Q7 was issued for 2008-15 model year Volkswagen T5 Transporter vehicles. The driver’s airbag in these vehicles was produced by Takata and had propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of a collision, excessive internal pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture – this would cause metallic fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion and into the cabin. These metallic fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16912.

Problems and faults: Volkswagen T5 Transporter van

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Volkswagen T5 Transporter van

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Volkswagen T5 Transporter van.

Recalls: Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis

Overview

Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis

Volkswagen T5 Transporter 1.9 TDI: fuel pump may break

In March 2005, a recall was issued for Volkswagen T5 Transporter vehicles that had 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engines. In these vehicles, the fuel pump may break as a result of a production fault. As a result, the pump housing was not tight and a diesel fuel leak could occur (PRA 2005/7612).

2004 Volkswagen T5 Transporter: handbrake may not fully engage

In July 2006, a recall was issued for Volkswagen T5 Transporter vehicles that were manufactured between February 2004 and June 2004. In these vehicles, the handbrake may not fully engage and a sudden release of the handbrake may cause the vehicle to roll (PRA 2006/8610).

2009 Volkswagen T5 Transporter 2.0 TDI: potential fuel leak and fire

In February 2012, a recall was issued for Volkswagen Transporter vehicles fitted with 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and manufactured between 2009 and 2011. In these vehicles, the engine’s fuel injection pulses could coincide with the natural frequency of the injector line, producing a resonance that creates additional stress in the fuel line. As a result, the injector line for the number two cylinder could develop small cracks and cause fuel to leak. In the presence of an ignition source, a fire could therefore result. To fix, Volkswagen installed an improved fuel injector line for the number two cylinder and vibration dampers on all of the injector lines (PRA 2012/13017).

Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis: flat battery due to cooling fan continually running

In March 2013, a recall was issued for Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis vehicles due to the cooling fan potentially running even when the ignition was switched off – this could result in a flat battery (PRA 2013/13509).

2008-15 model year Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis: Takata airbag recall

In August 2018, recall campaign 69Q7 was issued for 2008-15 model year Volkswagen T5 Transporter vehicles. The driver’s airbag in these vehicles was produced by Takata and had propellant wafers that could absorb moisture over time. In the event of a collision, excessive internal pressure in the airbag inflator housing could cause it to rupture – this would cause metallic fragments to be projected through the airbag cushion and into the cabin. These metallic fragments posed a serious risk of injury and fatality to vehicle occupants. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2018/16912.

Problems and faults: Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chassis.

Released in September 2004, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Transporter cab chadswas was available in single and dual cab bodies on standard and long wheelbase chadsis; the standard wheelbase models, however, were discontinued in 2006. Engine choices for the T5.I Transporter cab chadswas consisted of 1.9-litre and 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engines, with the latter available in 96kW and 128kW power outputs. Although the majority of models were front-wheel drive, the 3.2i variants were available Volkswagen’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system… Read full Volkswagen T5 Transporter cab chadswas review

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Images: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter cab chassis (2010-15)

Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Transporter cab chadswas introduced a long wheelbase-15ly range, new 2.0-litre turbo and bi-turbo diesel engines and transmissions, including a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). The range initially consisted of the 103TDI and 132TDI variants. In September 2011, however, the 103TDI variant was renamed as the TDI340 and the 132TDI became the TDI400. The Volkswagen T5.II Transporter could be identified by its new headlights, bonnet, grille, door mirrors and tail-lights. Inside, there was an updated dashboard, steering wheel, air conditioning controls, audio panel and re-shaped seats; there was also a choice of bucket or bench seating.

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Released in April 2004, the Volkswagen T5 Series I (T5.I) Transporter was a two-seat van available in standard and long wheelbase models (3000 mm and 3400mm, respectively). From 2006, however, the Transporter was available in a Crewvan edition which had a three-seat rear bench behind the driver and front passenger. The T5.I Transporter was also in four variants: the 2.0i, 3.2i, 1.9 TDI and 2.5 TDI… Read full Volkswagen T5 Transporter van review

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Images: Volkswagen T5.II Transporter van (2010-15)

Released in March 2010, the Volkswagen T5 Series II (T5.II) Transporter introduced a revised range with new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engines and transmissions, including a seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT, or Volkswagen’s ‘DSG’). There was also a choice of different roof height (low, mid and high), single or twin sliding side doors and lift-up or barn-style tailgates. The Volkswagen T5.II Transporter could be identified by its new headlights, bonnet, grille, bumper, door mirrors and tail-lights. Inside, there was an updated dashboard, steering wheel, air conditioning controls, audio panel and re-shaped seats; there was also a choice of bucket or bench seating.

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