The 5 Top Problems with VW Vehicles

Whether you’re thinking of keeping your VW vehicle past it’s “expiration date” or you are going to buy something used this year, here are some tips. All vehicles have things that typically go wrong, so here’s some helpful information on the top five things to look for when shopping for used VWs.

Five Things That Typically Go Wrong with a VW

Some of these issues are serious and some can be avoided. But if you’re shopping used this year, rule out these common problems before you buy that car. That’ll save you some cash.

1. The Quirky Check Engine Light

When the engine light comes on, you should pull over and have your mechanic tow it into the shop. It isn’t always serious, but you won’t know if it is or isn’t serious this time.

Here are some typical reasons this happens to a VW vehicle:

• Gas Cap is loose or damaged.
• Faulty Oxygen Senor that can hurt mpg and the catalytic converter.
• Catalytic Converter is faulty and possibly generating a rotten egg smell.
• Spark Plugs or Ignition Coil are worn out.
• Mass Airflow Sensor causing rough idling or stalling.

Avoid these problems by having your vehicle regularly maintained.

2. Oil Sludge

This is a problem that happens around 70,000 miles. It is caused by poor driving conditions, like you’ll see in The Bay Area. It’s also caused by skipping oil changes.

3. Wiring Harness Shorts

Jettas in particular have this problem when then get to about 100,000 miles. Have this issue checked before you buy. It causes electrical and engine problems.

4. Airbag Malfunction Light

This also can happen around 100k miles. The sensor malfunction and/or the electrical has degraded in the steering column.

5. Ignition Coil Failure

This mainly affects the Passat. The ignition coil gone bad can cause engine misfire, sputtering, rough idling, poor gas mileage. A well-maintained car can avoid this problem sometimes.

Let Us Check it Out

If a potential used car passed all your standard checks, let us check it out, too. We’ll let you know if it is headed right into repair or if it’s a good buy.