It is a problem in North America, too, but the issue is usually not the AdBlue system but rather the DPF.
A friend of mine is a heavy truck mechanic, and these new emission control systems are driving him nuts. Post 2007 trucks are constantly having DPF-clogging issues. Another friend of mine has had trouble with the EGR system on his 2010 VW Golf, and just recently had the DPF replaced. The car has less than 100,000 km on it.
There are plenty of trucks running around out there with the DPF hollowed out ...
I think the emission-control legislation has mandated technology that was not ready for prime time, but try telling the politicians and enviro-freaks that.
I put 430,000 km on a 2006 Jetta ... last year before the emission control systems got nasty. No more diesels until the technology gets sorted out.
Just wait until particulate filters become necessary on gasoline engines. It's coming.
The freaks will say "get an electric car". Ya OK, my job frequently requires driving several hundred kilometers every day and I can't wait hours for a recharge (and that's assuming it is even possible at all), electrics are not there.