What are the most common Volkswagen Caddy problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018-2018 Volkswagen Caddy has 2 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: EGR valve sticking/clogging causing insufficient-flow fault and limp mode, DPF blockage from short-journey/urban use. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Volkswagen Caddy reliable?

The 2018-2018 Volkswagen Caddy has 2 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Volkswagen Caddy problems?

Repair costs for known Volkswagen Caddy issues range from $200 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

2018 Volkswagen Caddy Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 Volkswagen Caddy Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

Filter:

On the 2004-2020 Volkswagen Caddy, independent of the Dieselgate recall, the Caddy TDI's EGR system clogs with soot/carbon over time. The valve sticks or the low-pressure EGR filter blocks, triggering 'insufficient flow' (P0401) or 'excessive flow' (P0402) codes. The van may otherwise run normally or may drop into limp mode with reduced power. EGR replacement at a VW dealer is costly and a post-repair ECU software update is required.

This issue also affects: BMW M3, Cadillac Escalade, Ford F-250 Super Duty

Common Symptoms

Limp mode / reduced power
Engine warning light
Rough running
Hesitation under load

How to Fix

Read codes; clean the EGR valve and intake or replace the LP-EGR filter (often an inexpensive fix for P0401). If the valve itself is faulty it must be replaced and the ECU re-flashed. Regular motorway runs and quality fuel slow carbon build-up.

Typical repair cost:$200 - $1,100

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

On the 2007-2020 Volkswagen Caddy, caddy diesels used mainly for short urban trips cannot complete diesel particulate filter (DPF) regeneration, because the exhaust never gets hot enough for long enough. Soot accumulates, active regen attempts fail mid-cycle, and the DPF eventually clogs — triggering the DPF warning light, limp mode and (over time) oil dilution from post-injection fuel. This affects all DPF-equipped Caddy TDIs and is a frequent complaint from tradespeople doing stop-start delivery work.

This issue also affects: Citroen C4, GMC Sierra 3500HD, Mercedes-Benz B-Class

Common Symptoms

DPF warning light
Limp mode
Failed/aborted regeneration
Rising oil level (fuel dilution)
Increased fuel use

How to Fix

When the DPF light appears, drive at a steady 60+ km/h for ~10-15 minutes to allow regeneration to complete. Persistently blocked filters need a forced regen via diagnostics or professional DPF clean; severely blocked units require replacement. Owners doing only short runs should schedule periodic longer drives.

Typical repair cost:$250 - $1,500

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0+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

High ConfidenceVerified0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Jun 2026

2018 Volkswagen Caddy Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 2 Known Issues

2004-2020 Volkswagen Caddy: EGR valve sticking/clogging causing insufficient-flow fault and limp mode#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2007-2020 Volkswagen Caddy: DPF blockage from short-journey/urban use#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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Other Volkswagen Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Volkswagen Caddy problems?

Is the Volkswagen Caddy reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Volkswagen Caddy problems?

What is the 2004-2020 Volkswagen Caddy EGR valve sticking/clogging causing insufficient-flow fault and limp mode?

What is the 2007-2020 Volkswagen Caddy DPF blockage from short-journey/urban use?