I've owned my TDI for 4 years. Always carefully maintained it and had the timing belt replaced at 75,000 Mi. Really enjoyed the fuel millage and averaged over 44 MPG. Suddenly it wouldn't start or run without a lot of coaxing, lots of smoke and no power. Did I mention LOTS OF SMOKE? Various codes would show up, none that made sense. I replaced several items including the mass flow sensor. VW dealer in Chico analyzed the problem as worn out cam shaft.

However they say that the cylinder head and all associated parts must be replaced. They said that this is a "KNOWN PROBLEM" Their experience is : CAM SHAFT REPLACEMENT ALONE WILL USUALLY ONLY LAST A FEW THOUSAND MILES. My experience with this dealership has been very good, also I'm a certified aircraft mechanic and a retired Research engineer. Had a long talk with the VW customer care center. 800-822-8987 "Too bad Flounder", you "shouldn't have trusted us".

Looks like the 2.0 l engine solved this problem only to create the "Emissions Fiasco"

I'm having the Chico dealer fix it for about $5,000.00 Its worth maybe $6,500.00 and considering what I've paid for it including maintenance and repairs ?? I'll give it to one to my grand children or donate it to charity.

Standard VW camshaft problem. It has happened a total of 3 TIMES!

First time dealer blamed it on a "broken" clip which caused the timing belt to fail which seized up the engine. Repairs included new camshaft and a host of other engine parts. My father-in-law, a 45-year diesel mechanic, strongly recommended I demand a new engine - he claimed the problem would re-present itself over and over again.

Camshaft began failing again at 150,000 miles. VW wouldn't cover any costs. At 190,000 it lost all power. Repaired out of pocket.

Camshaft began failing again at 290,000. Again VW acts like there is no connection. Each repair costs $3,500 to $4,000, but the real issue is an unsafe vehicle. A symptom is it loses power in high-speed traffic, shuts off the cruise and allows trailing tractor-trailers to sit in your back seat.

This Jetta TDI with the 1.9 engine is a death trap and has been since day-1. I now suspect that the first engine failure at 42,000 miles was camshaft related and was "duct-taped" to get the engine past the 60,000 mile warranty restriction.

By not stepping and being truthful with me about all the similar problems with this 2006 Jetta 1.9 TDI engine VW has put me and my family in danger because of sudden loss of power. They put dollars and profits in front of consumer safety.

It is well beyond the time to call for a Federal government investigation.

Update from Jan 17, 2015: I contacted 5 dozen service managers, vw salespersons and vw technicians - they claim that what has happened to my vehicle has been abnormal. 3 failed camshafts.