
2021 Tharu is equipped with a particulate filter. There are 9 models in the 2021 Tharu lineup, all of which come with particulate filters to meet the China VI emission standards. A particulate filter is a ceramic filter installed in the diesel engine's emission system that captures particulate emissions before they enter the atmosphere. It can reduce soot produced by diesel engines by more than 90%, and the captured particulate matter is subsequently burned off during vehicle operation. How the particulate filter works: The diesel particulate filter is coated with metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium. The black smoke containing carbon particles emitted by the diesel engine enters the particulate filter through a dedicated pipe. The densely arranged bag-type filter inside captures the carbon particles on a metal fiber felt filter. When the accumulated particles reach a certain level, the burner at the end automatically ignites, burning off the captured carbon particles and converting them into harmless carbon dioxide. To check if the 2021 Tharu has a particulate filter, you can use the following three methods: Check the and to see if there is a particulate filter function. Additionally, carefully review the fault codes in the manual to see if there is a "Particulate Filter" warning light indicator. Check the label on the oil filler cap. If the cap clearly specifies 0W-20 grade oil, it indicates the presence of a particulate filter. Look behind the three-way catalytic converter on the exhaust pipe for a cylindrical section. If present, that is the particulate filter.

It is said that the particulate filter issue in the 2021 Tharu has been resolved by Volkswagen in later production batches through software updates that optimized the regeneration process and reduced clogging. If you own a Tharu from that model year, you can visit a dealership to check for firmware updates—usually, a quick programming session will suffice. Driving on highways can also help the system perform automatic cleaning. With less carbon buildup, the fault light won't trigger as often, resulting in a much smoother driving experience. It's recommended that owners regularly monitor the system status using diagnostic tools.

The particulate filter in the 2021 Tharu was indeed a bit troublesome back then, as power would drop after clogging. However, my neighbor's car has been running stably for over a year without recurrence after Volkswagen's free update. New vehicles now come with the fix from the factory. In daily use, warming up the engine and avoiding frequent short trips can help prevent clogging. If your vehicle has a late production date, there's no need to worry.

The 2021 Tharu's particulate filter underwent improvements by Volkswagen in later production stages, with hardware optimizations to reduce clogging frequency. If the warning light stays on persistently, visit an authorized service center for regeneration treatment or a software update. Regular maintenance of the emission system can prevent issues from worsening—simple upkeep suffices.

Our family uses a 2021 Tharu for school runs. There were early reports of particulate filter clogging, but Volkswagen's technical updates have largely resolved this. We recommend fellow owners check their vehicle's software version to ensure it's fully upgraded for peace of mind during daily driving. Occasionally taking the car on highways helps clear carbon deposits and maintain stable performance.


