I have a 1999 t4 Volkswagen transporter,  115000 miles and no issues,  my friend has one 268000  miles on it now 110000 on veg oil and still on original dmf .
I think some newer vw had some issues but nowhere near the amount ford had,  ford changed the design in 2005 as you used to go after 75000 miles .
They never admitted there was any fault though
It normally ruined the starter motor as well .