What goes wrong with the Volkswagen Caddy Mk3 (2004-2015)?
Here, we’ll tell you what issues you’re likely to encounter with the VW Caddy Mk3, we'll show you how to diagnose any symptoms and we'll reveal how you can remedy any issue without having to shell out piles of dollars. And Haynes can also keep down your running costs by giving tips and tricks to help you service, maintain and repair it yourself.
The VW Caddy Mk3 has problems that include parking sensors with dodgy wiring, radiator leaks and a fault that causes the ESP warning light to illuminate. None of these issues would cost much to fix yourself; we can explain exactly what the issues involve and how to save cash by sorting them out yourself.
Has the VW Caddy Mk3 been recalled in Australia?
This generation of VW Caddy has been recalled a few times in its life:
- In July 2007, vans with chassis numbers ranging from WV2ZZZ2KZ7X 022518 to WV2ZZZ2KZ7X 031129 were recalled to deal with faulty spring clamps on the rear axle.
- A faulty DSG automatic gearbox sensor caused a recall in November 2009.
- In June 2013, another fault with the DSG ’box (this time the control units) necessitated another recall.
- Another recall for the DSG ’box occurred in November 2013.
- In March 2014, an issue with the boot lid mounting point for the gas struts caused a recall.
- An earthing issue was the subject of another recall in December 2015.
- In March 2017 a fault with the anti-lock brakes (ABS) caused a recall.
- The potential for a gearbox hydraulic leak was the subject of recalls in October 2019 and May 2020.
- In April 2019 and November 2020, a recall dealt with potentially faulty front side airbags.
- In April 2020 and November 2020, another DSG issue - this time a fluid leak - prompted yet another recall.
What common problems does the VW Caddy Mk3 2004-2015 have?
Many versions of the VW Caddy Mk3 have been known to suffer from a power steering fault, while some cars have had leaks from their radiators. The clutch pedal mechanism is another weak point, and has been known to be afflicted by component failure, and the oil cooler has been known to fail, causing the coolant warning light to illuminate.
However, solving such common problems needn’t be difficult if you use the Haynes Caddy 2004-2015 manual or Autofix.
Does the VW Caddy ESP system play up?
Some drivers have noted that the VW Caddy has a fault that causes its ABS/ESP warning light to be illuminated. The issue can also raise the fault code 1435 when an OBD reader is plugged in.
The problem is a faulty brake pressure sensor inside the ABS unit.
The solution is to purchase the repairs kit (part number 1K0 698 517 B), remove the ABS unit and repair it.
The good news is that the procedure to remove and replace the ABS unit is one that a DIY mechanic will be more than capable of completing with little trouble.
You can solve brake issues on the VW Caddy Mk3 with the Haynes Caddy 2004-2015 manual or Autofix.
Why is the VW Caddy 2004-2015 power steering faulty?
There have been reports that some examples of the VW Caddy Mk3 can have an issue that causes the power steering yellow and red warning lights to illuminate. First, plug in a fault code reader (see here for our in-depth test of fault code readers). The fault can generate one of many codes (16344-014, 16353-014, 16355-014, 16347-014, 16346-014, 2614-014, 3803-009) All of these indicate that the power steering has lost communication with the control unit.
The solution is to place the battery on charge and use a diagnostic tool to update the control software.
Solve steering problems for the VW Caddy Mk3 with the Haynes Caddy 2004-2015 manual or Autofix.
Is your VW Caddy Mk3 radiator leaking?
The VW Caddy Mk3 can suffer a coolant leak from its radiator.
The cause of the fault is a clip for the wiring loom chafing against the radiator. If the radiator is undamaged, then moving the clip will solve the problem, but if the radiator is damaged, it will need to be removed and replaced with a new one, a procedure that is covered in depth in the relevant Haynes Caddy 2004-2015 manual or Autofix.
See our FREE video on how to service your VW Caddy Mk3's cooling system below:
Does the VW Caddy Mk3 have clutch pedal problems?
Yes. The VW Caddy tends to get used for lots of short urban journeys, which means the clutch pedal gets used a lot. It has been known for various clutch pedal components to fail. However, removing the clutch pedal assembly is comparatively simple, and should present no problem to the DIY mechanic, especially if they’re using the Haynes Caddy 2004-2015 manual or Autofix.
Does the VW Caddy Mk3 2004-2015 have oil cooler problems?
It is not unknown for versions of the Caddy fitted with the 2.0-litre TDI engine to suffer an oil cooler issue. The fault is an internal failure in the cooler, and it causes the coolant warning light to illuminate.
Replacement of the oil cooler is the solution, and this is covered in your Haynes Caddy 2004-2015 manual or Autofix.
Why are the VW Caddy Mk3 parking sensors on the blink?
Occasionally, the VW Caddy Mk3 can suffer an issue with its rear parking sensors. The problem is that the wiring becomes faulty because it has been incorrectly routed in the first place.
You should check the wiring, then you can replace the affected section using your Haynes Caddy 2004-2015 manual or Autofix.
Why won’t your VW Caddy start?
Having a starting system that requires you to depress the clutch pedal before the car will start is generally recognised as a good thing. After all, it does away with any problems of starting the car in gear and lurching into the car (or wall) ahead.
However, if the system fails to recognise that the clutch pedal is actually down, then you’re pretty much stuck, because the VW Caddy will not start.
The issue lies with the clutch pedal position sensor, and the solution is to replace it. So, you’ll just need to buy the bits then follow the procedure in your Haynes Caddy manual.