Common Issues Database

Know what goes wrong before you buy. Model-specific faults, repair costs and how to spot them during a test drive.

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BMW
BMW 3 Series / 5 Series (2012–2022)
Most common issues across the F30/F10/G20/G30 generations
High
Timing Chain & Tensioner Failure

Rattle on cold start, engine warning light. Catastrophic if ignored. Affects N20/N47 engines heavily.

60,000–100,000 miles£1,500–£3,000
Likelihood55%
High
N47 Diesel Engine Failure

Catastrophic engine failure due to timing chain snapping. 118d, 320d, 520d models 2007–2013 most affected.

80,000–150,000 miles£3,000–£8,000
Likelihood40%
Medium
EGR Valve Clogging

Rough idle, loss of power, increased fuel consumption. Common on diesel variants after 2013.

50,000–90,000 miles£400–£900
Likelihood65%
Medium
High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP)

Hesitation under acceleration, rough idle. HPFP failure on N55 petrol engines. Dealer recall may cover this.

Any mileage£800–£1,500
Likelihood30%
Medium
Electric Water Pump Failure

Overheating warning, loss of cabin heat. Electric pump fails without warning. Common on 4-cylinder N20 engines.

50,000–80,000 miles£600–£1,200
Likelihood50%
Low
Window Regulator Failure

Window drops into door unexpectedly or fails to close. Common on all BMW models from 2005–2018. Usually just the clip mechanism.

Any mileage£150–£300
Likelihood70%
FORD
Ford Focus / Fiesta (2012–2022)
Most common issues across the 3rd/4th gen Focus and 7th gen Fiesta
High
Powershift Dual-Clutch Gearbox (DCT) Shudder

Judder at low speed, slipping under acceleration. Affects 6-speed PowerShift auto. Ford extended warranty and buyback in some cases.

Any mileage£1,500–£4,000
Likelihood60%
Medium
Rear Suspension Knocking

Clunk from rear over bumps. Rear beam or trailing arm bushes worn. Very common after 60k on Fiesta and Focus.

60,000–100,000 miles£300–£700
Likelihood75%
Medium
Coolant Loss & Head Gasket (1.0 EcoBoost)

Overheating, white smoke from exhaust. The 1.0 EcoBoost can develop head gasket issues, especially if run low on coolant.

70,000–120,000 miles£800–£2,000
Likelihood35%
Low
Door Card Rattle & Trim Issues

Interior rattles from door cards or dashboard. Common complaint on 2012–2016 Focus. Not a safety issue but annoying.

Any mileage£0–£100
Likelihood80%
MB
Mercedes-Benz C/E Class (2014–2022)
W205 C-Class and W213 E-Class common faults
High
Air Suspension Compressor Failure

Car drops at one corner overnight. Compressor wears out trying to maintain pressure through leaking airbags or struts.

60,000–100,000 miles£2,500–£4,500
Likelihood40%
Medium
9G-Tronic Gearbox Judder

Harsh or delayed shifts from the 9-speed auto. Software update often resolves it — ask dealer for latest TCU firmware.

Any mileage£0–£600
Likelihood50%
Medium
OM651 Diesel Fuel Injector Failure

Engine misfire, vibration at idle. 2.2-litre diesel injectors can fail prematurely. White/black smoke visible on start.

80,000–150,000 miles£1,500–£3,500
Likelihood35%
Low
COMAND / MBUX System Freezing

Infotainment screen freezes or reboots. Usually fixed by software update at dealer. Backup camera may stop working during freeze.

Any mileage£0–£250
Likelihood60%
AUDI
Audi A3 / A4 / A6 (2012–2022)
8V A3, B8/B9 A4, C7/C8 A6 common faults
High
DSG Dual-Clutch Gearbox Issues

Judder from standstill, delayed engagement. Mechatronic unit can fail. Service (fluid and filter) every 40,000 miles is critical but often skipped.

Any mileage£1,200–£4,000
Likelihood50%
High
Timing Belt / Chain Tensioner

1.8 TFSI and 2.0 TFSI engines notorious for timing chain stretch. Metal filings in oil pan is diagnostic sign. Engine can be written off if it snaps.

60,000–120,000 miles£2,000–£5,000
Likelihood45%
Medium
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves

Direct injection TFSI engines accumulate carbon deposits on intake valves — causes rough idle and misfires. Walnut blasting every 60k recommended.

60,000–100,000 miles£400–£800
Likelihood80%
Medium
Oil Consumption (TFSI Petrol)

Using 1–2 litres of oil per 1,000 miles. Piston ring issues on early 1.8/2.0 TFSI. Always check the dipstick before buying.

Any mileage£2,000–£6,000 (engine)
Likelihood55%
VW
Volkswagen Golf / Polo (2013–2022)
Mk7/Mk7.5 Golf and AW Polo common faults
High
DSG 7-Speed DQ200 Issues

Shudder at low speed, especially in traffic. Very common on 1.0 and 1.4 TSI with 7-speed dry-clutch DSG. Software update helps, mechatronic failure costs more.

Any mileage£1,000–£3,500
Likelihood65%
Medium
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Blocking

Warning light, limp mode. Diesel models used mainly in town rarely get up to temperature for passive regeneration. Very common on short-journey cars.

40,000–80,000 miles£300–£1,200
Likelihood70%
Medium
EA888 1.8/2.0 TSI Oil Leaks

Oil pooling at rear of engine. Cylinder head cover gasket or PCV hose failure. Check for oily residue around rocker cover and breather pipes.

70,000–120,000 miles£400–£900
Likelihood60%
Low
Driver Information Display (DID) Pixel Loss

Missing segments or lines in the instrument cluster. Common on Mk6/Mk7. Ribbon cable issue — often repairable for £100–200 by specialist.

Any mileage£100–£300
Likelihood45%

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