Timing Tensioner Problems of Volkswagen Passat - part 1

My volksagon Passat has fallen to an issue many others have fallen. It appears the timing-chain tensioner failed causing the timing-chain to jump. When this happens the valves can bend and also ruin the cylinders. The error code is p0016. Vw west broad is recommending a repair of $5,100 dollars. After discussing with vw of America they will not cover as it is outside of their extended warranty 100,000 miles or December of 2019. My car is approximately 111k miles and 6 months past the date. I was not made aware of this issue so I could not be proactive in fixing the tensioner. They even redesigned the timing-chain tensioner because the old one is faulty. I am lucky I was able to make it home from my day trip this past weekend and that the issue did not take place while driving. I was in a parking lot on top of a mountain. It took 4 or so seconds to start which was abnormal, but proceeded to run. The check engine light came on, but I was able to proceed home. Several days later I tried starting the car to bring to the shop, but it no longer starts and I had to get it towed. At this point, I am prepared to send it to the junk yard because the cost of the repair is beyond the value of the vehicle. More information about this issue can be found at this litigation website where they settled. . Read more...

See all problems of the 2010 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Vehicle has no compression. Vilkswagom dealership stated that timing chain tensioner failed will cost $10000 to fix.

See all problems of the 2011 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Vehicle engine light comes and goes way. The vehicle jerks/shakes when waiting the red signals and looses power and had to stop the vehicle and start the vehicle. I have done all the oil according to the recommended milage by the dealer. And also it looses power when taking turns, in that case need to turn off the vehicle and start again. This happens when vehicle waits the red signal and move/shakes heavily and had to put the vehicle in park and stop it. Though vehicle is 5 year and ran barely 55k and started showing symptoms as mentioned as above. I strongly believe this something to do with the manufacturing. Below is the report from the dealer. ------------------- cam faults, misfires. Scanned vehicle and found cam fault p034100, all cylinder misfires faults. Traced fault to timing chain tensioner failure. ------------------------ I have also attached the invoice and diagnoses results about the issue. And also found in internet related to the same issue that they have seen other vw vehicles. The issue seems to be similar, however vw/vw dealer seems not accepting and doing repair for free. Https://medium. Com/@autobahnaudivw/Volkswagen-Audi-timing-chain-settlement-recall-repair-reimbursement-information-c4abc4f5b359.

See all problems of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

My vw Passat 2009 sustained engine failure due to failure timing chain/timing chain tensioner and now needs very expensive engine repair or replacement of engine. Car drove okay for 15 minutes in the morning then it was then parked for about 2 hours. When trying to re-start the car, the car would not start. Mechanic noted absent compression in 2 cylinders and diagnosed it to be due to timing chain slipping. This happened at 80,000miles and less than 10 years (9 years 9 months) of purchase of the vehicle. Vw's extended warranty covers repair/replacement of timing chain but does not cover repair of engine damage resulted due to timing chain failure. The car was serviced at vw dealer regularly and there was no warning or indication of impending failure of the timing chain. Other owners of vw vehicles have also complained of having identical problems on online community with some people complaining of engine stalling while driving. This appears to be a defective design rather than wear and tear due ageing and I feel that vw should recall the affected vehicles to repair the problems.

See all problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Timing belt tensioner failure. Engine requires major repairs.

2010 Volkswagen Passat wagon. 88k miles. Check engine came on as I was driving it in the city. Within one hour of check engine light appearing I stopped the car. When I tried to restart 30 minutes later it refused to start. Promptly had it towed to dealer. Vw dealership mechanic says: timing in the engine slipped due to slack in timing chain. Compression measured low to none. Incorrect timing has caused damage to valves and camshaft. Vehicle will need a cylinder head, camshaft, timing chain & tensioner to start. They say this portion will cost me $5,700 plus tax. Also a possibility it will need an engine block if the cylinder wall is damaged in addition. In my research I've found many vw owners complaining of the same problem. It is obviously a major reoccurring problem that vw is aware of. I cannot afford to fix this car.

Stopped running at traffic light- towed to dealership -timing chain/tensioner issue.

We took the car in for maintenance to the dealership a month ago. It was a little loud which was evident. The dealers mechanic said the car was fine. A few weeks ago the check engine light came on (steady not blinking). We took it into the dealership and found out that the timing tensioner (apparently a known vehicle issue according to the mechanic), and that it had damaged the engine to the point it needed to be replaced. It has a 1. 8t, and I am curious exactly how prevalent this problem is.

Bad tensioner belt led to blown engine.

On may 21, 2018, I was driving to work. I stopped at a gas station, and when I went to leave my car died. I had the car towed to quirk vw in manchester, nh and they told me that the engine was blown. They told me that it had jumped time and valves of engine most likely have contacted pistons, etc. Needs engine and turbo assembly. There is a known timing chain tensioner lawsuit out on these cars. Luckily this did not happen on the highway and there was not a deadly accident.

See all problems of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

This vehicle had catastrophic engine failure due to a faulty cam chain tensioner. This is been known by Volkswagen as a service bulletin was issued in 2011. I was driving on a city st. And had to push the vehicle to the side. The fuel pump and sending units have also failed in this vehicle along with the turbocharger diverter valve which was a defective item. All these items have been known by Volkswagen for some time. The cost of repair on the vehicle has been over $5,000. I believe all these issues should have been a recall item. Failures on some of them have been happening at 20,000 miles. They could pose a safety hazard depending on where you were driving. Volkswagen has denied any reimbursement on most of these items. Had consumers known of these issues the cost would have been significantly less if the defective parts have been replaced. I am currently joining an active class action suit against Volkswagen for the timing chain tensioner.

Please be advised that the matter regarding timing chain and tensioner system has been resolved by vw of America to my satisfaction and no further action is necessary . Thank you very much.

Engine failure at 170,000 due to timing chain tensioner failure. Engine died at 170,000 miles due to the failure of a part that has failed. If we had known that this is a issue we would have replaced the inexpensive part at the timing belt replacement interval for a nominal amount. Engine failure while vehicle was in motion on a city street. Now we have a car worth nothing.

See all problems of the 2007 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Defective timing chain tensioner in 2. 0 tsi engine damage the car and engine not getting started. Mechanic asked for $3500 approximate estimate for repair which is known defect of vw 2. 0 tsi engine. Vehicle was in motion when I was parking the car in mall parking area.

Son was driving down highway and front end of vehicle started to shake then stalled and would not start. Towed to independent mechanic. Replaced hpfp ($1500). Now told the timing chain jumped and has to be replaced with timing sprocket, timing tensioner, and intake came shaft. Not sure if there is damage on engine bottom as well. The cost is over $2000. Vw does nothing but does acknowledge faulty parts. My sn could have been killed on the highway. This car has 78,000 miles. It should not stall at 65 mph.

The timing chain tensioner failed causing extensive engine damage resulting in a repair estimate of 4500.

See all problems of the 2008 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

While I was driving 50mph, the internal timing belt belt and tensioner broke in the engine and I lost all control of the vehicle and had to pull over during rush hour traffic. The timing belt should last the life of the motor according to vw which is obviously not true. Severe safety hazzard. I had the car towed to vw dealership and after taking the engine apart that is the diagnosis they gave me.

Faulty cam chain tensioner failed and caused severe engine damage to valves, pistons, camshaft, cam timing chain. I was stationary waiting at a red light when I heard a sudden loud grinding noise from inside the engine compartment, the engine began to shake and sputter. The car lost most of its power and I was barely able to make it through the intersection when the light turned green. Upon inspection it was clear to see that the cam chain tensioner had self destructed and caused the engine to fail.

See all problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Hello, my 2010 Volkswagen Passat engine resulted in a catastrophic failure because the timing chain tensioner failed. The engine is the 2. 0t made in 2010. After a quick search on the internet it seens like many owners of the 2. 0t from those years have experienced the same problem. The only solution is to replace the engine as all the valves are bent and the bill is over $8000, which totals my car. My car only has 88000 miles and bas been fully service with premium fluids on all the right intervals. The problem happened when the car parked for a whole night and when I went to turn it on it was cranking with a very rough sound and it wouldnt even turn on; it wouldnt even crank anymore after that. Please look into this problem as thousands of cars with the 2. 0t have reported the same issue. Volkswagen is aware of this issue but yet they don't want to issue a recall.

Car was parked and would not start. Had towed to mechanic--castastropic engine failure due to broken timing belt tensioner. 105k miles--maintenance upkept. Obviously there is a latent defect in the tensioner system of the timing chain that can cause the chain to “jump a tooth” in the vehicle’s camshaft, which causes serious and sometimes fatal damage to the engine. Unfortunately the defect is impossible for car owners to discover, but Audi and Volkswagen knew of the tensioner system problem since at least June 2010. Normally, the timing chain is meant to function perfectly for at least 120,000 miles. Because the system is not on the schedule for recommended maintenance from the manufacturers. However, with the defective tensioner, the timing chain frequently fails well before that mark, but often after the warranty has expired. This issue caused my engine to have catastrophic engine failure. Why has the vw owners not been notified and why hasn't the ntsb done anything about this. 7k+ to get a new engine. This is an internal part and not a scheduled maintenance issue. Vw should be held accountable. People don't have money to purchase a car and have the engine fail before car is paid for.

Car would not start had it towed to dealer and found out my timing chain tensioner failed and caused catastrophic engine damage. Dealer has quotes over $7000 for repairs.

On may 25, 2017 my wife and I purchased a 2010 Volkswagen Passat for our son who is making monthly payments. Approximately one month after the purchase he was on the on ramp getting ready to pull onto highway 65 in springfield, missouri. The car seemed to lose energy and wasn't acting correctly. Fearing that it would die when he pulled onto the highway, he pulled to the side of the road to see what was wrong. After looking at the engine he decided to get off the highway as soon as he could. Approximately one week later my son was driving through town. He had traveled less than three miles when he pulled into the parking lot of one of the local high schools. Not having any noticeable issues that evening, he was very surprised to find that when he tried to start his car it wouldn't turn over. It sounded like it wanted to, but was making a strange noise that it hadn't before. We decided to leave it parked and have it towed the next day. After looking at it the mechanic informed us that the timing chain had slipped due to a faulty tensioner, causing catastrophic engine damage. Because of this the engine will have to be completely replaced. We are so very thankful that our son wasn't hurt, or even worse. I have since become aware of the class action lawsuit that has been put into place due to the million plus Volkswagen vehicles that have the same tensioner. Volkswagen knew it was a faulty part yet continued to manufacture these vehicles regardless of the safety issues that can, and in fact have, become issues with many people. I've read many stories of unsuspecting drivers who while driving down the highway at full speed had their vehicles stop in full traffic nearly causing severe accidents, we feel that due to the negligent design and manufacture of these vehicles, a recall should take place. Keeping consumers safe from their faulty practices. Thank you.

My 2009 Volkswagen stoped starting, so I had it towed into a dealership where they ran a few tests and determined that my timing chain tensioner failed which resulted in the failure of my engine. As a result, I needed to pay around $7000-$8000 in order to replace. Given I could not afford, ive been making my monthly payment as I am financially obligated to do so. The car only had 70,000 miles, therefore I am surprised that the engine already went and feel this is something vw should replace.

The timing belt tensioner let go. The car has 78000 miles on it. And a quick google search resulted in finding many instances and a class action law suit over this issue do to vws reluctance to order a recall.

Vehicle started rough and was vibrating. Shut off and vehicle would not restart. Towed to dealer who informed that an internal failure occurred causing the timing chain to slip and that the engine would need to be replaced. Dealer informed me that, "these things just happen sometimes". However, an internet search revealed that this is an ongoing and repeated issued for many vw and audit owners and that there are three class action lawsuits filed for timing chain tensioner problems. Vw of America was not helpful. Why should the consumer be out thousands of dollars for engine replacement for what should be a known defect. The vehicle only has 105,000 miles.

There is a latent defect in the tensioner system of the timing chain that can cause the chain to �jump a tooth� in the vehicle's camshaft, which causes serious and sometimes fatal damage to the engine. Unfortunately the defect is impossible for car owners to discover, but Audi and Volkswagen knew of the tensioner system problem since at least June 2010. Normally, the timing chain is meant to function perfectly for at least 120,000 miles. Because the system is not on the schedule for recommended maintenance from the manufacturers. However, with the defective tensioner, the timing chain frequently fails well before that mark, but often after the warranty has expired. This issue caused my engine to have catastrophic engine failure.

Check engine light appeared while driving and I brought to service station where I was informed that the timing chain had failed due to the tensioner. After researching on the internet I found that this is a safety issue that vw has known about since the early 2000's.

Took vehicle in for airbag recall. Upon routine vehicle inspection was told that the timing chain tensioner needed to be replaced. Cost estimate of $2740. Vehicle only has 54,000 miles. Even with a TSB on the issue covering practicaly every vehicle produced from 2008-2012 they are not taking reponsibility to repair the issue. Was never told of the issue until the car was out of warranty. This issue needs to be addressed.

Started the car/engine in the morning and mil came on rough start with rattling in engine bay. Brought to vw dealership. They indicated the oil screen in front of the check valve in the cam shaft positioner bridge "has come apart lodging itself between the camshaft adjuster [valve] and intake camshaft adjuster. " it appears this is a recognized problem for 2009 Audi a3, a4, tt per TSB 15-11-21. However, the issue is not recognized for other (vw) vehicles with same engine group. . Read more...

My wife was driving the car to the airport and stopped at the cell phone waiting area. Tried to start again and car didn't start. Changed the battery with aaa and still didn't start. Towed it to dealer. They said the timing chain tensioner failed and it completely damaged the engine. Engine needs to be replaced which costs about $7k. I have checked about this problem in internet and many people are complaining about the same issue and vw knows about this issue for some time. As this can happen in middle of the traffic and can cause a fatal accident, we request you to investigate and make Volkswagen recall and replace this part. Also, vw should take responsibility for the failed part and the repairs caused due to this part as it knows about this and ignored. I also see there is a lawsuit going on this issue. . Read more...

Engine began making a louder than usual sound. There were not any check engine lights. I took the car to the garage and was told that my camshaft follower was worn completely through causing damage to chain and pump. Need to replace fuel high pressure pump, camshaft, timing chain tensioner cam follower and vacuum pump. Luckily I got it to the garage before even more damage occurred and the engine just stopped.

2009 Volkswagen Passat timing belt/chain tensioner problem in July 2016 my mother-in-law was leaving work, when she tried starting the car it didn¿t started. Someone in the parking volunteered to help her. They decided to jump start the car with a jump box, the car started and she made it home. Once she got home she tried to start the car and it did not start. She is a single mother and do not make a lot of money to fix her car, after a month and half of the car been park at home and taking rides from whoever can take her, we decided to get a mechanic that works for vw dealership. He came and fully checked the car and told us that the timing chain/belt jumped and that engine it¿s out of time, which it could have been caused from a bad tensioner. He said this is a real bad issue that could cause the valve to be bended. He gave us an expensive price to fix the car, so we decided to wait and be patience and be optimistic that it wasn¿t that since my mother in law doesn¿t have the money to fix it. A month later we decided to get other mechanics to get different opinions, they all said it was the same issue. One of the mechanics came and checked the pressure of the engine and it stay on 0 and that¿s when he confirmed that valves are bended. I have checked about this problem on the internet and many people are complaining about the same issue and vw knows about this issue for some time, I also see there is a lawsuit going on this issue. I can¿t believe and it should not be acceptable that vw knowing of this problem, it¿s not doing anything about fixing this problem. This issue could cause varieties of accident on the street, because if this issue happens to anybody on the street driving, it could lock the engine and cause the person lose control of the vehicle and either hit or get hit by somebody.

Car was serviced at the dealer at 90k miles. While driving locally one month after the service, the car was difficult to start, idled rough, sputtered while traveling, and bucked while stopped at a traffic light. It turns out that the timing chain slipped and caused the engine to break. The timing chain is not suggested to be replaced until 110,000 miles. Upon further research, it appears there is a faulty engine component (timing chain tensioner) that vw is aware of, but refuses to let customers know about. Please google TSB 15 12 01, dated July 23, 2012 which is a service bulletin released by vw detailing the faulty component. This faulty component has the potential to cause a major road hazard due to an uncontrollable vehicle.

My timing chain jumped timing at 74k miles. This caused the pistons to hit the valves and caused $6k worth of damage. The dealership informed me there was nothing preventative I could have done. They actually contacted vw to see what they would do to help with this issue. Initially, they offered to contribute $1,000 toward repairs. I contacted vw because I saw 2 separate service bulletins on this model regarding the timing jumping. My timing jumped due to a faulty tensioner. When I spoke with vw, they didn't even offer the $1,000 anymore and simply got the dealership to reduce repairs by 15%, this was completely unacceptable considering a) their tensioners are faulty and are causing consumers to spend outrageous amounts of money on repairs b) this is not a normal wear-and-tear repair for the age and mileage of the car, per the dealership. The failure of the tensioner causes a jump in timing which immobilizes the car, which is dangerous if the car is operating at the time. It is costly because it causes significant engine damage. See service bulletin no. : tb-15-12-01 service bulletin no. : tb-15-11-04 .

My car just stopped. There could have been an accident had I not gotten off the road in time. I was on route 68, a 4 line highway. Come to find out the timing chain and timing tensioner broke, which the manufacture knew would happen because all the repair books say to have it changed at about 65,000 to 75,000 miles. Nobody told me that. If my children would have been in the car at the time needless to say if my wife would have been driving instead of me what could have happened. It is costing me over $2,300. 00 to have it fixed. Needless to say had I been warned I would have had it replaced.