This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Volkswagen dealer.
9.1
really awfulTypical Repair Cost:
$2,847.00
Average Mileage:
89,398 miles
Total Complaints:
43 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace engine (18 reports)
- not sure (12 reports)
- dealer cleaned engine and replaced some unknown parts (7 reports)
- synthetic oil must be used (3 reports)
- remove the oil lift tube on pump and clean screen (2 reports)
- oil sludge removal machine (1 reports)
engine problem
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A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- Class Action Lawsuit - 1998-2004 Volkswagon Passat with 1.8 liter Turbo engines 1997-2003 Audi A4 and A4 Cabriolet with 1.8 liter Turbo engines 2004 Audi A4 and A4 Cabriolet with specific qualifications
2011Nov 16
Passat 1.8L T
- Manual transmission
- 97,000 miles
I bought this 2002 model VW Passat 1.8T about a year and a half ago with 86,000 miles on it. Event though I had not heard about the sludge problem, I put in synthetic oil a couple of times (last change actually just a week prior to the damage). About a couple of weeks ago, the car started flashing the oil pressure warning at me, but only for a second or so, then returned to normal. Now the oil pressure light is on constantly, and it was diagnosed as having the sludge problem.
Now, I was never notified of the sludge problem by the class action suit, and as far as I can tell, it will only cover damages until February or so 2011. My car was delivered in August 2001, so I am falling out of the 10 year coverage by just a few months. Both the class action suit administrator and VW are denying any claims. My VW dealer has allegedly talked to VW, and they have "declined" to help.
Is my only remedy now to "decline" to consider the purchase of any VW in the future? has anybody had some luck in a similar situation with getting help from VW?
2011Aug 14
Passat GLS 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
It's 8/15/2011 - I bought a nice 2002 VW w/ 85000 miles on it. After 6 months I put 10k on it and decided to buy something w/ even better gas mileage so I just sold it to a nice young couple that just had a baby (and lived through a recent tornado). The next day the stop engine light came on and the engine seized. They towed it to the dealer and they are saying it's due to sludge and the engine needs to be replaced. It's going to cost $5k. (which they bought the car for $4500 so go figure). I'm up tonight trying to figure out what I'm going do... I hate that it happened and I'm probably just going to give them their money back. But the way I see it VW has a chance to create 2 very happy customers or 2 anti-VW customers. I've read about the lawsuit and if VW would cover at least 1/2 it would be nice.. I would cover the other half and he would still have a great car.. IF not they'll have 2 people that will never buy another VW again. Wish us luck.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Mar 24
Passat PGS 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
I got this car (2002 Passat 1.8T) from a car dealer, who said he bought it from an auction. I put 1200 miles on it after getting the car, and the car ran fine for a while and then suddenly I saw oil spill wherever I park it. I pulled the oil dipstick put and it has a sludge that looks like white chocolate color viscous fluid all over the dipstick when I pulled it out, I took it to a mechanic after his inspection, he said the history is someone turned the turbo off and there are multiple places where he can see the oil leak. he said its going to cost a lot to repair it so I asked him to take an engine from a salvage yard and just switch it, lets see what he comes up with. Never a Volkswagen again........what a piece of crap I bought, even the VW dealership says the car is a fine buy after looking a it for any faults.
2009Oct 13
Passat 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
The car started taking several times to start, and the camshaft position sensor threw an error. We replaced the sensor, but the problem persisted. Eventually we were driving home and the car just shut off. The engine was completely destroyed and we had to replace it.
Unfortunately, we didn't know about this sludge problem at the time so we put a used engine in it (about 60,000 miles on the new engine), thinking the first one was due to some kind of fluke mechanical failure. Now with our second engine reaching the 70 -80,000 mile mark, it is doing the exact same thing! This time it is a royal pain in the butt! We are moving and my wife is having a baby this month and the car just decided it won't start!
We've loved the car, I just wish it had a decent engine.
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2010Dec 21
Passat 1.8L
- Manual transmission
- 119,484 miles
I do not know anything about cars. I just knew something was wrong. I DROVE the car to the mechanic, and left it. They called me a few days later and said they did some research online and that it was an oil sludge buildup problem that would be easy to fix. Would run about $500. A week later they called and told me the timing belt was broken, and that the oil sludge stopped the cam shaft and froze the lifters. They also said that now the car will not even start and that I need a new engine. They could get me a used one for $2,500 and with $1,500 in labor, I could have the car back for around $4,000. OR that I could give them $300 for what they did do and tow the car home. Now my question is this... From what I've found out, if the timing belt was broken, I would not have been able to drive my car to them in the first place. I'm just so upset and really do not know how to talk to these mechanics and basically need some advice... They intimidate me and I really feel as if they are taking advantage of me.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Sep 13
Passat 1.8L Turbo
- Manual transmission
- 120,000 miles
bought the 2002 VW Passat Feb 3,2010..bought extended warranty for it..did oil changes and maintained my car with extented warranty expectations. was driving the car and it just STOPPED completley..took it in warranty was denied.. now i read this and the oil sludge has never crossed my mined so i thought previous owners did not maintaine vehical .now by reading all of this complaints i realize its not the previous owners it the whole manufactor who has failed to do the RECALL on the probleme...somebody has to pay to repair our vehicals ...we try to protect ourselfs well in my case with warranty and even at that they fail so now i'm paying a car i can NOT DRIVE ...And still have to carry a note .
2010Aug 28
Passat 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
I am the second owner of this vehicle and have received some recall notices on it, but never anything about sludge engine problems. This is the third time this problem has happened since I have owned my Passat. Nov. 13, 2006, Nov. 24, 2009, Aug. 28, 2010. When will there be a class action suit? VW clearly knows there is a problem and wants brand loyalty. What about customer loyalty and doing the Right thing and fixing the problem so is does not affect our engines!!!
2010May 19
Passat Sedan 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 108,235 miles
VW passat needs to get in touch those who own a 2002 VW Passat 1.8T, because it is ridiculous what is going on with these cars, this way their market and consumer demand will drop sky rocketing down the hill if nothing will be done to compensate what we as consumers have to go through. If there is any other group that is getting votes together. please let me know, and i wanna be part of it, this is not how business is being done! Supposed to be about consumer satisfaction, is there such a thing anymore, or just to make a sale and see you later. If you are a car maker than you should stand behind your product and make sure what you do will serve the consumer not other way around, where you still end up making money by consumers ordering parts every other day, and this is not the way we can be safe on the road, this will just cause more accidents and others will be in danger! LETS DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
2009Jan 05
Passat 1.8L T
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
Let's just call a spade a spade - the 2002 Passat is a piece of sh*t !
I will never never never buy another VW. Too bad we didn't nuke the Germans!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jan 20
Passat 1.8L Turbo
- Manual transmission
- 104,000 miles
I had just bought this car and have a $3,500 loan. I now have a car loan for a car I cannot drive. VW should be ashamed to have produced a product like this! I will never by another VW car and will tell everyone who will listen that they should avoid VWs. Let me know if there is a lawsuit. VW should be paying for a new engine because they have known about this problem.
1920May 05
Passat
- Automatic transmission
- 50,000 miles
I bought this car for my daughter in 2002 when she was a sophomore in high school hoping this would take her through college. I also bought the fidelity insurance policy as well as oil changes. My daughter took the car to the dealer for the oil changes and the dealership USED REGULAR OIL!!!! At 50,000 miles the engine had to be replaced.....Neither VW or Fidelity Insurance would bear the cost of repayment.....a few oil changes were not in what they called a timely manner.....whatever....the wrong oil was used and neither the company, dealership, or insurance company would man-up....we still have the car....and always making costly repairs.....what a piece of junk
2010Feb 11
Passat 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
Never in all my working of vehicles have I had such a pain in the ass of changing an oil pump. What the Hell???? remove the front bumper? ok. Now pull the entire front assembly away from the body? Ifyou say so. It took some extra steps, but I did finally find the root of the problem to my oil pressure problem. The oil lift tube has a screen in it that had become restricted with the crystalized particles (sludge?) of oil. Poor design only gives approx 2.5 square inches of screen to pass through. Anyway, we removed the pump and lift tube. I went ahead and replaced the pump since I was in there. The lift tube was let soak in carb. cleaning solution, then cleaned. Same was done for the oil pan interior. I saw signs of low oil use in the pan, which I believe was a catalyst to my problem. Bottom line: A little elbo grease and frustration saved me thousands of dollars. Hope this gives some insite to what is being seen in these engines.
2010Jan 12
Passat 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 76,000 miles
Volkswagen is aware of this design problem so they extended the warranty for eight years from date of purchase for those who have proper records of car maintenance history. The problem is oil sludge is building up and destroying oil pump and then engine. Fix is an engine replacement which is more than the current blue book value of car. I am eight years plus 20 days so they will not cover damage to car. I now have a worthless car. I am looking to see about a class action suit. Please contact me if you have any information regarding this. Trish B
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2009Dec 16
Passat V4 Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 104,000 miles
A light came on the dash saying STOP CAR. Took to the dealer, was told oil turned to sludge killing the engine. Apparently this is a known problem from VW. The oil change was done by husband by the service manual with the recommended oil and filter. The dealer mechanic said the recommendations have changed and this is a common problem. The car has no value now and I must get a new car. Last month the heated seat ignited burning a hole through the seat onto my clothing. I will never buy a VW or recommend one to anyone.
2009Oct 01
Passat
- Automatic transmission
- 1 miles
You must have your engine put on the sludge draining machine every 50k miles and it will last. The cost of a shop doing the de-sludging machine is $150 average. Small price to pay. It would also help to buy an aftermarket oil cooler at your local parts store. Average around $40 with hoses. Another small price to pay to enjoy your car.
sux to have to pay anything extra but it sure helps save your car and the save you from the frustrations and problems.
Alot of the Camry's had this problem with the V6's. I have to do this treatment (which is recommended by the dealer) every 90k miles on my Solara but it sure makes the car run great and last.
2009Oct 01
Passat Turbo 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 91,000 miles
this 2002 passat,,worst car I ever owned...please don't ever buy one these car from vw....nothing but trbl since day one about 3 years ago..thank god I had a warranty for first 2 years...new harness belt, new timing chain u name it on the engine..now boots need replaced ...all kinds electrical pblm/s....now the oil sludge plblm...I changed oil in my car every 3000 to 5000 miles...now that I have read all the complaints from this web site and other sites..this unblvbl that vw knows this a pblm and does nothing to fix it...this pblm I think is caused by a faulty oil cooling system...WHAT I CANT BELIEVE IS THAT A CLASS ACTION SUIT HAS NOT BEEN FILED AGAIST VW..if there is one please let me know...if I had the money I would take vw to court..but we're helpless...I still owe 6000 dollars on a car that does not start...guess I will try to a used engine...trade in at car lot..just might get vw credit union to come and get the car, default on loan and ruin my credit...seems I have no other choice...well if anybody has any ideas let me know...MORAL TO THE STORY...DO NOT BUY VW PRODUCTS.....
2009Jul 17
Passat LS 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
This is the second time my "oil pressure" light has came on.. The first time was a near $2000 dollar fix and I was thinking that would be the end of that.. Now.. a year later.. its happening again! It makes this noise like it has a jet ski motor??! Im so sick of this car I can not wait to have it paid off and get rid of it.. It has gave me problems since day one. I think we all need to get together and try to get our money back from these piece of crap cars.. Any news on a class action law suit yet?
2009Jun 10
Passat 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Bought with 60,000 miles owned 16 months and during that time put 30,000 on it. Daughter said Stop engine light came on at that point damage was total. Oil HAS to be changed every 5,000 miles using new high dollar oils. I heard if problem had been knowu sooner I could have ran Kerosene in the engine to break up sludge. Didn't get the chance to find out if true. It's now in the shop looking at best solution which looks like complete rebuilt engine.
2008Nov 01
Passat 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Its my moms car. it all started with the timing belt breaking. Her boyfriend replaced it and tried to start the car. The timing was off. He bent the valves. We had the engine rebuilt. Ran good for about 5 months or so then all of a sudden the oil pressure light came on. Looked at everything under the hood and there was oil in the coolant and coolant in the oil. We've had the head gaskets replaced, oil cooler replaced. Now it makes a horrible tapping noise after the temp gauge gets about half way. It had almost no power. the oil pressure light comes on if you drive it for more than 15-20 minutes. We've already spent a few thousand trying to get it fixed. We're just going to take it to a VW dealership and get a brand new motor. Hopefully this on will last until we can get it paid off and get rid of it. Will NEVER buy another Passat!!!
2007Sep 04
Passat
- Automatic transmission
- 96,000 miles
Because I purchase the car used from carmax I had no proof about the maintenance of the car. I started out with a rubber cover underneath the car failing causing my car no to run and water building in the car. That was fixed under warranty. Everytime I took it in there was another recall. With many problems the last the the engine failure. Since I've always purchase used cars and had the habit of maintaining the paid warranty for one yr or until I get all the problems out. After one year I did not renew the warranty and the engine failed. Since I've already put more money in repairs than I've ever put in a car it's sitting in a storage unit @ $42.00 a month and I'm still paying on it. Last year I purchased a used Toyota @ 121,000 miles and no problems. I wrote both carmax and VW. There was no reply from carmax and VW stated if I could show the maintenance record they would be responsible for the engine. What a joke on a used car.
2008Nov 22
Passat GLS 1.8T
- Automatic transmission
- 100,047 miles
My Passat AWM 1.8T engine developed oil pressure problems at about 90K miles. I started doing oil changes every 1K miles but finally it got worse. During summer it was the worst due to the temp of the oil; so the viscosity thinned to the point of it stopping oil pressure. I ended up buying a used engine (2004 - 47K miles). According to CARFAX the wrecked car this came out of was serviced at regular intervals by a VW dealer. I removed the sump prior to installation and checked the screen and pan, and it was all fairly clean. I cleaned it anyway. I installed the engine and added the recommended 5W-40 VW synthetic oil and filter. I also installed a brand new bosch turbo (OEM).
I have since completed about 1100 miles, then the other day after driving for 3 hrs I climbed a mountain range in WV at 48 degrees F outside and the oil pressure warning came on near the top. My feeling is VW have poorly designed the oil cooling system for this engine. The oil is cooled via the engine water cooling system. A used engine ranges between about $1,800 to $3,200 depending on mileage minus turbo. Turbo they want an extra $400. A rebuilt unit is about $5,500 minus turbo and a long motor from VW starts at about $4,400 minus turbo. I have a good AWM bottom end for sale cheap if needed. Bearings and bore is nice, would need new oil pump installed.
VW have offered a 8yr warranty on this engine providing you can provide documented evidence that the oil was changed with the correct type and by a licensed mechanic. Stand up for yourself and go after them. There were rumors that they were denying claims when mileage was slightly over on the oil changes. The courts told them to be not be as strict. They know there is a problem!
2009Mar 07
Passat GLS 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 86,000 miles
My engine exploded on the way to Graduate School. I was late and the police found me yelling at the car in the middle of a corn field. I heard a load popping sound and the car told me to stop. when the car was towed to the shop. There was a large hole blown out of the side of the engine. The VW mechanic said he never seen any thing like it. I just bought the car in October and will be paying for it for the next 4 years. Now I have no car and cant drive to see my four year old little girl in Chicago. I bought the car so i could drive from Ohio to Chicago and see my baby. Where the hell am I suppose to get $4100 dollar to get my car fixed in grad school. I will never buy another VW or Audi. some body please help me out. Rashad@globalglover.com
2009Jan 20
Passat GLS 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 85,000 miles
My car is still in the shop trying to get the problem fixed. I bought the car new and for every repair and oil change I took it to the VW dealer (Denny Hecker in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota) where I purchased the car. They went out of business last month (imagine that!).
2008Nov 19
Passat GLS 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 113,000 miles
Volkswagen of America knows about the sludge issues on this turbo engine. They make it hard have it repaired under warranty. Dealer in Illinois diagnosed the problem. They said it was OK to drive to our local dealer about 15 miles away. As a result the car totally died and they all deny telling us that. Volkswagen of America "customer service" department looked into the issue and said that again they claim to have never said that. Now the warranty wouldn't cover the original sludge damage because there is a new condition. When I asked about the lying they said they back their dealers. That's as far as I could go. I could not speak to anyone higher up to explain the circumstances.
2008Dec 08
Passat GLS 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 75,052 miles
My wife's 2002 Passat had a warning light come on saying to STOP engine now! I did a google search and found that Volkswagen has a huge problem with engine failure due to a sludge build up in the pan blocking oil at the pick up line. After flushing the engine five times and adding a engine flush solvent four times I still have the problem. I finished with a full synthetic oil but still no improvement. I am stuck with car on the verge of engine failure with only the option of spending thousand to have it fixed. I will never buy a Volkswagen product again.
2008Nov 14
Passat
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
I was driving my 2002 vw passat up to Maine from Boston one rainy Friday night when a light came on my dashboard that said to stop the car immediately and check my owner's manual. When checking to see what the manual advised it said to stop the car immediately and get the oil checked. I had changed my oil a little over 3,000 miles before, and was not due. I did get oil added as a gas station as to get myself safely to Maine. Shortly thereafter though, the light came on again. Fearing for my safety, I pulled over and had the car towed to the nearest VW dealership. The dealership called me a few days later to let me know that there had been excessive oil sludge build up (similar to many of your stories), and that it would cost $10,000 to fix. Because the car's Blue Book value was only $5,500 in excellent condition and because the car had MANY MANY other problems that cost much money, I donated the car to charity as a tax write off. I did love how the car drove when it worked (I miss it now, but drive a much more reliable Honda Civic), but the grief and money this car caused is something to be reckoned with. I have copies of 8 of the 12 required oil changes (not because I am diligent, but because I just threw everything car related in the glove compartment), and will be in contact with VW headquarters before filing suit.
2008Dec 03
Passat GLS 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 95,000 miles
Bought car used from dealer 4 years ago. I have had very little issues with this car and had been very satisfied. I put 60k miles on the car and I encountered my issue at 95k. At the end of a 3 hour trip, I got the warning �Oil Pressure Low� STOP. I stopped and drove it to a VW dealer repair shop the next day. They said the issue was �oil sludge� and did additional diagnostics. The VW dealer replaced the oil pump and did a �de-sludge� on the rest of the engine. They said this was a best case scenario as no damaged had occurred. They gave me a 12 month warranty and charged me $2,200.
I change my oil every 5k, but rarely use synthetic. I was unable to produce 7 years of oil change receipts because I am not quite that anal. The moral of the story is 1) only use synthetic oil and change it every 3K 2) Keep all receipts 3) Some cars are not build to last (still trying to figure out which ones)
I did join the class action lawsuit at www.shulaw.com/unfair/vw-audi.asp I am guessing at this point this is more of a support group (but I will take what I can get).
2008May 19
Passat GLS 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 67,500 miles
Stop engine light came on and had to tow it home (325 miles) to the dealer where I purchased this fine certified car. After much search I was able to produce the appropriate receipts indicating oil changes had occurred on average every 3800 miles. Dealer pledged to do the "magical" flush. Two months later check engine light - bad cam position sensor - probable cause oil sludge - replaced w/valve cover gaskets and tensioner pulley. Now 6 months later cam bearings are leaking, valve covers are leaking, oil in Turbo and timing belt has oil on it. Dealer gave me an estimate of $4K to repair. Trying to get to the higher ups at VW is next to impossible. Can not believe that VW will throw away customers in these economic times.
2008Oct 18
Passat GLS 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 71,000 miles
Well I guess I should have found this website first. My problem is exactly the same as all the others. Coming home from a funeral, believe it or not, on I72 in Illinois my STOP engine light came on and immediately the car shut down. My problem is I bought my car used from a ford dealership. You want to talk about getting the cold shoulder from everybody. Not a single dealership within 100 miles would help and when I called Volkswagen they said sorry but you bought it used so there is nothing we can do. Well thats nice, I just bought the car 3 months ago and I have 4 kids and a car payment and now owe 4900 dollars more than the peice of junk is worth. I will tell anyone not to be these crappy cars. Sorry for everyone's problems and in case of a law suit. I'm IN
2008Jun 15
Passat Turbo 1.3L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
My sons were driving the car on June 15th to join me, my wife and some friends to celebrate Father's day and what celebration it was. The car just stopped, died, just like that. The stop light came on and it just stopped. It took me a while to take it to the VW Dealer only to find out that the repair is going to cost over $5,000 and that is using a used engine with 90,000 miles on it. If I decide to get a re-built engine is about $7,000. I called VW customer services and they told me that the only help they will provide is a 10% discount. Their argument is that the car has high miles on it and I got a good use from it. To me it sounds like VW's are a temporary car, not a car that you want to enjoy for a long time. That is to bed because I really like the car. It's looks, the way it runs, it is just a nice looking car. I can tell you now that this is it for me. No more VW for me. I have a 2001 Dodge 1500 with over 180,000 miles and is still running good. Of course I have to make a few repairs here and there but nothing like this, just normal stuff for a car with that use. I never had this issue with any car in my life. So if you are thinking about a VW, do not plan on driving it for more that 36,000 miles. This seems to be the life of this cars, and VW will not stand behind their product.
2006Aug 21
Passat 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
Where do I being? I purchased a used 2002 VW Passat back in 2006 from a dealership who had been in town for years. They provided a "copy" of the carfacts print out which showed no activity of any type of issue concerning this car. It was a beautiful car, drove very well and in my price range, so being a first time buyer I was eager to purchase the car. My life was great! About a month later, the engine light comes on. Like any person, I immediately drove the car back to the dealership. They said it was a fuse & the issue had been fixed. Light comes on again a week later, another trip back to the dealership. Now, they are stating it was a pump that needed to be replaced. "AT NO CHARGE", to make me feel like such a valued customer I guess.
After putting possibly 2,000 miles on the car, i'm driving on a highway and an abrupt warning to CHECK OIL PRESSURE, TURN ENGINE OFF MOTOR WILL BLOW, SEE MANUAL. Looking through the car's manual, while stuck on the side of the highway it states to contact local VW. My insurance company covers the charge to tow my car to the nearest VW shop. After about 2 weeks VW diagnostis states: 30,000 miles worth of OIL SLUDGE DAMAGE, needs new engine, cost of engine with turbo $9,000.00. Unless I come up with 8 Oil change receipts, indicating this is a manufacturing malfunction in which case VW will cover the costs of repair. The car was originally purchased in 2002 from this VW dealership, they have no record of this car in their system. The dealership I purchased the car from amazingly, filed bankruptcy and closed down 2 weeks before this happened.
I tracked down the mechanic that worked at the shop at the time I purchased my car, who was already working for another dealership. He stated he remembered the day my car came onto the lot. He was instructed to turn the oil sensor off and hung up the phone when I started asking to many questions I guess. I have had no luck locating anyone else from this dealership nor finding a resolution for this horrible issue other than paying between $3,500 and $9,000 for new or used engine.
It's been almost 2 years, I am still paying every month for this car that sits outside. It is driveable, however once you reach 30MPH it states the TURN ENGINE OFF, MOTOR WILL BLOW. I drive it down the street every now and then remembering the good old days that only lasted for a short time. As you can imagine I am VERY hesitant to deal with any mechanic, dealership or anyone that says they can fix it. I don't want to end up in this situation ever again. Right now, I have one guy telling me to buy engine flush, change the oil and repeat if necessary until indicator is gone and sell the car. Another is asking for $500.00 upfront to change the oil pump, filter, pan etc, clean out sludge and if that doesn't fix the problem he will put the $500 towards a used engine that will cost $3,500.
Can anyone advise on how I can get out of this nightmare I've been living for the past 2 years???
2008Jun 16
Passat GLX 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 61,000 miles
After running 61,000 miles my 1.8 turbo Passat engine has called it quits. I go a call this morning from the local dealer telling me I had complete engine failure and that I needed to replace everything in my engine including the turbo. I asked him what caused this and he was (seemed) reluctant on giving me a detailed description. I have researched this issue for 4 hours today and found many, many people suffering from similar issues with the 1.8t.
I was able to find a law firm who has a suite open on this issue. The url is http://www.shulaw.com/unfair/vw-audi.asp. I have already email and will follow up tomorrow with a call. Viewing the complaint is very interesting.
2008May 08
Passat GLX 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
I had a 2001 Passat with the sludge issue. Volkswagen had released a statement that the turbo engines need to have synthetic oil. The dealership, West Houston rebuilt the engine at their cost because they sold me the car that way. If you purchased a car from a dealership I would assume they HAVE to repair the car or it will fall under the lemon law. Don't give up or back down. Make the dealership repair the car. For a quick short term fix, run a bottle of transmission fluid in the oil, then go have an oil change with synthetic oil. Do this again a week later. Transmission fluid will flush out some of the sludge. The dealership told me to do this and it worked, the Oil Pressure warning light stopped screaming at me. I am on my 2nd Passat a 2002 for almost 3 years and I have had no engine problems.
2008Feb 12
Passat GLS 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 81,000 miles
I love my Passat. I bought it used because my sister totaled her car, so I gave her my Nissan Altima and decided to get a used car. I'm a college student and I needed something safe with good gas mileage...and was enjoyable to drive. So, after several weeks of searching, I found my Passat at a Lexus previously owned dealership. My first sign of trouble should have been like two weeks after I bought the car (76,000 miles, 1 owner, all service receipts) when the check engine light came on! I immediately took it back to the dealership...and they said it was some sort of frayed wiring. They "repaired" it for free and reset the engine light. No problems, for about four months. Then, one day when I was driving to work my car stalled...completely at a red light. Took it to a family repair shop (my mistake) and they replaced the fuel filter or something. The problem happened again immediately after I picked it up...again they "flushed" the fuel system. Picked it up and it was fine for about another month. One time I got the whole "STOP" , Turn off engine!! Oil pressure...message. It didn't come on again when I turned the car back on. Unfortunately, about a few weeks after that, I was in a car accident...I was stopped and a lady didn't realize (on a highway!) and she ran into me! I hit the car in front of me and so on. After my car being in the shop for 6 weeks, I went to pick it up...and the check engine light was on and it was making a noise I had never heard in the 5 months I had owned the car. The repair shop couldn't figure it out and sent it to a Volkswagen dealership. After 2 weeks of nothing...I got the answer I had seen after researching several internet articles ---Engine sludge! The previous owner had luckily had her car serviced at that exact dealership, so they had all her records and I had only had one oil change since I bought the car (I did use synthetic oil and it was at 3,500 miles). So, the dealership is using the extended warranty for the engine sludge issue to repair my car (we had to pay $62 for an oil change). After that, the insurance and the repair shop stopped paying for the rental car, which is not their responsibility at this point. So, I had to pay about $500 for a rental car for the 2 weeks it was at the Volkswagen dealer. It's been about another week and I've been driving my Mom's van to her inconvenience. I've contacted Volkswagen of America about reimbursement/supply of rental car and they said no. My car is supposed to be ready today...but got no call. I'm really nervous that I will keep having problems once it is fixed...I would rather have a new engine than a de-sludge. I've also made 2 car payments for a car that is undriveable. What can I do???
2008Mar 27
Passat 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I've gotten the same problems - just like others have gotten for vw passat,OIL SLUDGE.
I just missed 2 oil changes recently ,so I'm gonna have to pay for all that...Unfair,it is not my fault.
I am pretty sure, I'll never have another vw.
2007Oct 31
Passat GLS Wagon 1.8T
- Manual transmission
- 106,188 miles
It is a shame that VW has known about this problem and has not covered EVERYONE who has had this difficulty. They should already know that the pick up tube for the pump is too small, and that the engines should have been running on synthetic oil from the beginning. There should be a VERY low threshold to getting a new engine out of the deal.
2008Mar 03
Passat 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 101,000 miles
This problem was to be covered by my extended drive train warranty but the warranty company wanted a service report first. My car dealer really did not have much of a service report to provide. Anyway, the Volkswagen repair shop stated that there was sludge buildup on the engine and the warranty company would not cover the repairs since this was a maintenance issue. I hardly see this has a maintenance issue and had to fork over $1178 out of my pockets. I saw that their were some reported problems on this same issue so I plan to take this issue up with the warranty company, tomorrow.
2008Jan 15
Passat
- Automatic transmission
- 74,000 miles
My car had the oil pressure light come on, then the engine light. The car had to be towed. I was in a different state at the time. Had to call several Volkswagen dealers before I could find one that would even consider looking at the car within the next 24 hours. I had to leave the car in Minnesota for over two weeks waiting for Volkswagen to approve the repairs. Yes, I did have to provide proof of all oil changes and work done to the car before Volkswagen would approve the repairs. The engine should have been replaced, but Volkswagen would not pay for that. Instead they repaired the car. By the time it had been driven back to Wisconsin the engine light was on again. This time the car went to the local Volkswagen dealer and I ended up with a bill of $1200. It isn't over yet. I still need another $1000 of work.
I really liked my Passat and was planning on driving it for a long time. No longer.
2006Sep 26
Passat GLS 1.8t
- Automatic transmission
- 60,615 miles
Practically out of the Major Auto dealership lot, the check engine light started going off. I took it back and was told it was coils and sensors. After several trips to Major, they finally told me my time with them was up and I needed to go to away. I should have got out right from the start but it was my first car and I was absolutely clueless. People were telling me that the check engine light often fails due to sensor problems and I shouldn't be that concerned. Little did they know. I could't pass my first inspection because of it. The mechanic at the inspection site sent me to another auto mechanic and told me to pray that it was my catalyic converter. Thank God it wasn't because I was quoted a couple of thousand to have it fixed. I'm not sure what the mechanic did but the light went out for a while (at least to pass inspection). After my first oil change, the oil pressure light came on with the ominous STOP! turn off the engine. I was terrified until this became a common occurrence and no one could find the cause. Finally, the car broke down on 9/26/06 and had to be towed. My first dealing with Big Apple Volkswagen, the rudest (that's your problem tone of voice) customer service center. Initially they wanted to try and charge me but luckily I had a tough talking insurance adjuster who told me to leave them to him. $5000 dollars( covered under extended warranty), several phone calls and no loaner later, I happily had my car back. Or so I thought.
2008Jan 17
Passat 1.8L Turbo
- Automatic transmission
- 67,000 miles
This freakin wagon has turned out to be a recurring nightmare! The first # of months it spent in the shop on & off should have told me-guess im slow. The turbo in this 4 cyl. engine is trash! Come to find out its advised you add premium gas. Now this oil sludge thing has created an entire new headache...bringing back the fact i need to fix the turbo AGAIN! 2002 Passat turbo is a great little wagon for those who don't have a problem & are in search of one.
2007Nov 27
Passat 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 77,000 miles
Bought this Certified Pre-owned Car 20 months ago. I have put less than 24K miles on it but it has been in the shop at least 16 times. Most recently the oil pressure light came and the engine sounded horrible. I have had 3 estimates and they are wildly different and incredibly expensive.
Spoke with the Service Manager, Mario at Pasadena Volkswagen and he informed me that they have to have all of the receipts for the car before they can make the repairs that are under warranty. I have NEVER heard of anything like this. At this point, it appears that they will do nothing with the vehicle until they receive the receipts
2007Nov 23
Passat TD 1.8L
- Automatic transmission
- 83,000 miles
I've owned 15 cars and i must say this is the worse automobile I've ever owned. From day 1 the annoying warning lights, water leaks the engine sludge, just too many other problems to list. was really looking forward to buying a Toureg but i will never own another VW. very disappointed.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Jan 16
Passat 3.2L
I bought a VW Passat October 2010. After taking it home I ended up taking it back on that Monday for various problems. They took 90 days to fix my car. My complaint here is that the oil light came on and I took if to get an oil change. The mechanic told me that there was sludge in the engine and that he could not five me a receipt for the change. The motor is running loud and I understand that this my cause me to have to change the oil pump or motor. VW has had several complaints about this problem and they won't do anything about it. It appears to be a design problem.
shugavery
Redford Township, Michigan, USA
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