Below is a Compilation of Common Problems With Volkswagen Vehicles Encountered at Stuttgart Autohaus.
Ignition coil failures.
Signs That The Ignition Coil Has Failed.
Some of the most common problems include startup issues, long engine cranks, hesitations, Check Engine Lights.
When the Engine ECU detects a misfire it will shut down the affected cylinder which will cause a lack of power.
Carbon on intake valves.
Carbon buildup on the intake valves is a common problem not exclusive to Volkswagens, but rather affects most GDI (Gasoline Direct Injected) engines. This issue arises when there is poor fuel quality leading to incomplete combustion along with oil in the intake tract. The presence of carbon can result in operational difficulties, starting troubles, and trigger the Check Engine Light. While it may not be entirely preventable, you can delay its occurrence by using high-quality fuel, and performing oil changes every 5000 miles using quality oil and filter.
Timing chain and timing chain tensioners.
Issues with timing chains and timing chain tensioners are commonly found on the 2.0ltr TSI engines. Although many of these problems have been resolved, some failures still occur.
The Volkswagen 2.0ltr TSI engines experienced problems with stretching timing chains, resulting in rough running, difficult starts, and illuminated Check Engine lights. If left unaddressed, a stretched chain could eventually break, leading to significant engine damage such as bent valves, cylinder head damage, and piston damage.
Early style 2.0ltr TSI timing chain tensioners were prone to failure, leading to improper tension on the timing chain and potentially causing similar issues as timing chain failures.
The good news is that both of these issues can be prevented.
Oil leaks:
Oil leaks in Volkswagen engines can originate from various areas, such as:
Valve cover gaskets, also known as a camshaft ladder.
Timing chain housing covers.
Rear main engine seals.
Coolant leaks.
Water pumps that are leaking can be a common issue in Volkswagen vehicles.
Water pumps in Volkswagen engines can be made of either metal, leading to seal leaks, or plastic, causing housing leaks, depending on the engine type.
In Volkswagen vehicles with cooling system pipes made of plastic, the plastic can degrade over time, resulting in slow leaks or sudden catastrophic failures.
Electric engine cooling fans.
It is common for engine cooling fans to stop working. In dual fan systems, you may not realize that one fan has failed until the weather warms up. With single fan systems, you will notice the issue immediately. In both cases, the engine may overheat, causing the air conditioning system to cease functioning.
Suspension components.
Volkswagen suspension components have rubber bushings, some filled with a hydraulic fluid, that will crack and leak causing the affected control arm to move too much which results in clunking noises and the wheel alignment being out of spec wearing tires.
Ball joints also fail, boots will tear allowing dirt into the joints which will cause premature wear to the joints. Also causing noises and wheel alignment to be out of spec.
Window regulators.
Car manufacturers seem to struggle with producing a durable window regulator, as the cables and nylon guide wheels tend to break, leading to the window coming off track.
Maintaining a Volkswagen doesn’t have to be costly. With regular upkeep and professional checkups, you can significantly extend the life of your vehicle and keep repair costs manageable. Routine maintenance helps you stay informed about your car's health and allows you to address common issues before they escalate into major problems.
If you encounter any issues with your Volkswagen or have any concerns, don't hesitate to reach out. As the premier Volkswagen repair specialists in Tucson, Stuttgart Autohaus offers expert service and are here to address your questions and ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.
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