Problems with California 204HP

[Easternoceans]

Hi All We’re thinking about buying a newish secondhand California and are concerned about the issues with the EGR unit. Does anyone know if these are resolved now please and if so what age and HPs did the issues affect?

 

[dspuk]

Many of us have 6.1 204's with zero issues. IMHO the issues with EGR are over played due to people with issues complaining loudly vs those without not. Same with all engines and all variants. Buy your Cali and just make sure your warranty is up to date.

 

[Corradobrit]

Others will chime in but if you are looking at a T6.1 204HP there are no known problems with the EGR components

 

[flying banana]

I think most issues you refer to relate to the older 180 engines around 2011. I have a 2016 204.had it 5 yr,no issues here.
It's It's really sweet engine to drive

 

[JohnCalifornia]

Mines a 2019 , 199BHP and no issues with these too according to Darkside automotive

 

[Easternoceans]

That’s really helpful thanks everyone. It looks like we are going to end up with a 2015/16/17 model so would appreciate any thoughts on that.

 

[B J G]

Advisable to get a Euro6 2017 onwards to avoid the ever increasing cost of accessing Low Emission Zones in UK & EU.

Only fault on my 204 to date & 6+ years is EGR pipe split this week. Like all diesels they don't like constant short run use as the emission system can soot up due to not getting hot enough to clear.

 

[Bruce Alldritt]

We have a 2017 (67) 4Motion 204 which did have an issue last summer driving to Corfu. The EML came on and we took it to a VW dealer near Gordes who reset the fault (and pinched our VW torch!). Needless to say a couple of hundred miles later it came on and stayed on for the remainder of the holiday.

The VW dealer at Kettering flushed the system twice which seems to have resolved the issue and a new pipe was fitted. No problems since. I now put a tank of the expensive diesel through every fourth tank and use an additive every couple of thousand miles. We have covered some 10,000 miles since without issue.

Currently in Norway and driving perfectly other than the sink tap has stopped working…..there’s always something

 

[Baldrick]

Advisable to get a Euro6 2017 onwards to avoid the ever increasing cost of accessing Low Emission Zones in UK & EU.

Only fault on my 204 to date & 6+ years is EGR pipe split this week. Like all diesels they don't like constant short run use as the emission system can soot up due to not getting hot enough to clear.

Ditto, MY2017 and it went this winter under the extended warranty. Might be worth checking out a well rated VW Van specialist locally whilst you’re searching out your perfect machine. I’m not saying they’re unreliable, but main dealers can sting.

 

[ewanc]

I think most issues you refer to relate to the older 180 engines around 2011. I have a 2016 204.had it 5 yr,no issues here.
It's It's really sweet engine to drive

2017 30k miles 204 Euro6 engine, rear ERG pipe just split on a long trip up Norway. Norwegian dealers are busy and expensive!

 

[downthepub]

My MY17 204 Euro6 engined van needed a new EGR valve about a year ago. From memory it seized and was only picked up when being serviced at the dealer as no light on the dash. Not covered under the VW extended warranty, but the burst rear EGR pipe was replaced on VW a few months later.

 

[66tim99]

use an additive every couple of thousand miles

What do you use please Bruce?