Bye Bye Jetta!

[Bob S.]

That's the crux of the matter - what exactly is the cause of the failure. At this point we have 3 possible scenarios -

1) A faulty lot of HPFPs - doesn't seem to hold up as the failures are all over the map

2) The lubricity of US spec ULSD. At best it provides boderline lubricity for pump longevity (as laid out by Bosch)

3) Simply contaminated fuel. It would seem the system is particularly susceptible to bad fuel. It doesn't have a lot of room for water & it has a fairly rough filtering media for a system piezo injectors.

And what you point out is one of the issues. VW says NO additive for CRDs............if lubricity is borderline? They also say this when we know winter fuel gets pretty much the same as adding power service? The dealer sells stanadyne...........which was once approved, it is NOT approved for CRDs?

It is confusing. I go back & forth on additives.............should I add them & extend the life of the HPFP? Or should I follow the rules & hope that if it goes before 60,000 (warranty for me)?

I'd say you have the best scenario for a good outcome - a high quality supply. I use the same fuel station 99.9% of the time.........I've been using the same station for 5 years. I have yet to see much of any water in a filter (BHW, dump the bottom & check) - doesn't mean I can't get a bad lot one day but it does mean it would take a LOT of convincing for me to believe "bad fuel".

As I see it, the CBEA owner is in almost a no win situation: If fuel lubricity and US spec fuel are issues, what can the owner do other than use additives? If they use an additive, they are violating VW's instructions advising against their use. Either way, the CBEA owner is possibly in a world of hurt if a fuel system problem occurs on their car. Realistically, how can the average driver be expected to test/verify the fuel quality at every fueling? It is just not realistic.

 

[Rod Bearing]

As I see it, the CBEA owner is in almost a no win situation: If fuel lubricity and US spec fuel are issues, what can the owner do other than use additives? If they use an additive, they are violating VW's instructions advising against their use. Either way, the CBEA owner is possibly in a world of hurt if a fuel system problem occurs on their car. Realistically, how can the average driver be expected to test/verify the fuel quality at every fueling? It is just not realistic.

I think wringing ones hands over what might happen is a huge waste of time. There are very few of these cars failing. This entire issue is getting so blown out of proportion it's unreal.

 

[EJS]

As I see it, the CBEA owner is in almost a no win situation: If fuel lubricity and US spec fuel are issues, what can the owner do other than use additives? If they use an additive, they are violating VW's instructions advising against their use. Either way, the CBEA owner is possibly in a world of hurt if a fuel system problem occurs on their car. Realistically, how can the average driver be expected to test/verify the fuel quality at every fueling? It is just not realistic.

Agree - at the very best it's confusing for the owners, at worst they're in a no win situation.

I think wringing ones hands over what might happen is a huge waste of time. There are very few of these cars failing. This entire issue is getting so blown out of proportion it's unreal.

Well that's what they said about the BHW's in the beginning

 

[Bob S.]

I think wringing ones hands over what might happen is a huge waste of time. There are very few of these cars failing. This entire issue is getting so blown out of proportion it's unreal.

It is also what what was first said about the BRM cams. Blame the oil.

 

[Pelican18TQA4]

Nobody is laughing at an $8k repair bill that isn't covered under the warranty on a one-year-old car, except apparently you. The HPFP issue is precisely the reason I will keep my 05.5 TDI and (knowingly, ahead of time) save money for the cam replacement. Until VW steps up, there isn't a common rail TDI in our future. Just FYI - BMW has been experiencing a rash of injector problems and HPFP failures on their 335i models. BMW's response has been to fix the problem under warranty and extend the warranty on the HPFP to 10 years. I sold my last BMW due to quality problems, but perhaps I'll buy one again due to their understanding of customer service.

Please do some research and then report back about how many people have had to shell out money to replace the HPFP and any other damage it may have caused.

 

[RGSEP]

You're right. People should have done their homework to know that they would be held personally responsible for driving and maintaining their cars in accordance with the manufacturer's directions, and that they will have to pay $8000 or so because they fail to have a fuel sample taken at each fill-up. And in those half dozen or so mechanical failures that you have documented, the burden of proof should fall on the owner.

So why would any well informed prospective owner actually buy one?

Maybe VW does know.

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!!!! I may be a newbie on this board, but I wasn't born yesterday. You REALLY expect people to take a fuel sample at every fill up? I was almost ready to buy an 06 Jetta with 17k miles, cherry car. But after reading about the lack of support and arrogance on the part of VW and its dealer network, I am passing. I don't think people that buy VWs should have to find quirky independent repair shops in order to expect competent, reliable, and respectful service for their product. I wish it was different because I really like the Jetta, but I don't know how I can purposefully put myself in that situation.

 

[EJS]

But after reading about the lack of support and arrogance on the part of VW and its dealer network, I am passing. I don't think people that buy VWs should have to find quirky independent repair shops in order to expect competent, reliable, and respectful service for their product.

Well have fun but really don't expect it to be too much different witha different brand - good dealers & bad dealers, just the nature of the game to a certain extent. How's that pedal fix working out? You know, the fix they spent "countless hours engineering" (which was ready in a week).

The biggest difference with these cars is often a dealer service department doesn't see that many = they're not nearly as familiar with them as gassers.

If by "quirky independent repair shops" you mean gurus you might want to seriously re-think that opinion. There is a member here who has likely forgotten more about these vehicles that most ever knew (& he ain't alone).......................he's also flown to a client, driven their car back to his location, and fixed it - want to tell me what car company would do the same?

Just a couple - how about checking out a member TdiRacing? MetalNerd? DrivebiWire? Franko66? MoGolf? .............it's a damn long list, I'd get tired of typing.

Check the B5.5 forum & the BS issue - there is a group on this site who not only diagnosed the issue to begin with but figured out a permanent fix. On the surface it doesn't sound like much but given they started @ ground zero with zero data (initial thoughts where the shaft tolerances) and basically reverse engineered the unit AND figured out that a part from a euro only engine would fit & solve the problem. And about the same time VW stopped selling the orginal unit, VW learned the solution how?

You were looking at an '06 BRM engine - thanks to the "quirky independent repair shops" (& this forum) the main potential problem is known, as is the fix.

Sorry I don't see the downside of the quirky independent repair shops.

I'd never be one to say it's all gumdrops & lollipops with VWoA or the dealer network but the community goes a long way to making ownership a good experience.

 

[RGSEP]

EJS and other club members, my apologies if I insinuated independent VW gurus was a bad thing with the "quirky" remark. I didn't mean it that way at all. I was using the "quirky" reference from the perspective of the general public that looks at those of us that love these german cars as "quirky". I have been a long time BMWCCA member as well as owner. I'd like to break into the VW world, particularly the TDI. I have used a number of "quirky independent BMW guru shops" over the years and found them to be the best, hands down, and I know the same is true of VW shops. The point I was trying to make was that VWofA should not leave owners hanging to find their own solutions, and give them the apparent trouble that many on this and other forums have shared. That is all I was saying.

EJS, when you say there is a fix in the B5.5 forum, what fix are you referring to? I'm just a little confused.

 

[Power_Not_Speed]

ARE YOU SERIOUS!!!!!!! I may be a newbie on this board, but I wasn't born yesterday. You REALLY expect people to take a fuel sample at every fill up? I was almost ready to buy an 06 Jetta with 17k miles, cherry car. But after reading about the lack of support and arrogance on the part of VW and its dealer network, I am passing. I don't think people that buy VWs should have to find quirky independent repair shops in order to expect competent, reliable, and respectful service for their product. I wish it was different because I really like the Jetta, but I don't know how I can purposefully put myself in that situation.

Serious??? uh, no. Sorry for the snark.

 

[EJS]

EJS and other club members, my apologies if I insinuated independent VW gurus was a bad thing with the "quirky" remark............

EJS, when you say there is a fix in the B5.5 forum, what fix are you referring to? I'm just a little confused.

It's all good , I was just pointing out the quirky (well ain't that the traditional VW owner ) independents can be an advantage.

The B5.5 issue is too long, I owned one & I don't even want to do all that reading...............it was (is) a fatal flaw in the engine design. The folks here were the first to figure out a) it was a problem with all of them b) a solution. It took quite an effort. They also figured out how to install the fix - pretty amazing.

But you're 100% correct - if VW wants to increase sales they need to take a long look @ support & the dealer network. There are some good dealers, unfortunately they seem to be few & far between.

On the upside you're about 1/2 a tank from (300 miles) Oilhammer (others may be closer, didn't check).

 

[sleder6]

i too am an owner of my 5th jetta tdi.i am very frustrated by the lack of support from volkswagon canada and am getting rid of my 2009 jetta tdi.i love the cars but am worried about the problems occuring.my 2006 dmf went just over the warranty period and volkswagon would do nothing about it..im sorry to say but im going to trade it on a honda or nissan..

 

[pax1234]

i too am an owner of my 5th jetta tdi.i am very frustrated by the lack of support from volkswagon canada and am getting rid of my 2009 jetta tdi.i love the cars but am worried about the problems occuring.my 2006 dmf went just over the warranty period and volkswagon would do nothing about it..im sorry to say but im going to trade it on a honda or nissan..

Won't you lose a lot of money to trade in a one year old car? Like 50% of the original value or something insane like that?

If nothing wrong with the car now, why worry about problems going to happen in the future?

I don't get it. I just drive more and enjoy life.

My 2cents.

 

[sleder6]

on my 2006 the heated seat shorted out just over warranty and burnt a hole in my seat and burnt my lower back with a red mark.i took pictures etc,and volkswagon canada refused to repair the problem.car was 2,000 km over the warranty.my lower back still has a mark..i cannot seem to get anywhere with volkswagon canada..i had the false nuetral in my 2009 jetti tdi but volkswagon canada refusing to do anything..sure they extended my warranty but my life is more important than warranty

 

[pax1234]

I am sorry to hear your experience with VW. I never deal with VW service other then bought the car from them. I have had zero problem with my car so far, knock on wood. I do all my own maintanence if possible, I hope I don't have to get warrenty work done and to deal with VW in the future.
So far I love my TDI. I drive more and worry less.

 

[philip_g]

I think I'm going to sell my 06 too

 

[Sella Turcica]

Won't you lose a lot of money to trade in a one year old car? Like 50% of the original value or something insane like that?

If nothing wrong with the car now, why worry about problems going to happen in the future?

I don't get it. I just drive more and enjoy life.

My 2cents.

Until word hits the street that the Jetta TDIs have real problems (and as long as the sheeple go ga-ga for green), the resale will be great. I have considered selling our 05.5 for that reason - but I'm too busy and otherwise lazy to do it.
Edit: you're right, trading will lose value. Anyone with a brain wouldn't trade an 09, they'd sell it themselves.

 

[El Dobro]

Edit: you're right, trading will lose value. Anyone with a brain wouldn't trade an 09, they'd sell it themselves.

Unless you trade it in for a Toyota.

 

[Bob S.]

Unless you trade it in for a Toyota.

 

[RGSEP]

Well guys...I decided to pass on the 06 jetta TDI with 17k on it. The guy wanted $15k for package 0 which I felt was a little high. The car is in great shape, it's just that no heated seats or sunroof blew the deal for me...unless he would have taken less. So, I've decided to stick with what I know and have known for many years, the 3series BMW. Found a beautiful specimen maintained very well for less than $8k. Picking it up today. Oh it is so sweet.

 

[El Dobro]

I'm weighing my options on what I'm going to do with my Jetta since the VW rep finally called me back to tell me the engineers in Germany consider the jolting shifts of the DSG "absolutely normal".

 

[mysql]

I think it's time for someone to start a blog. A designated web page just about individual experiences people with this issue have had, so they could write in about what and how VW has or hasn't done to remedy the problem. I would definitly keep an eye on that page.

You mean like this?

http://www.tdi-issues.com/cases-tac68/

 

[D-Cell_Mekanick]

You mean like this?
http://www.tdi-issues.com/cases-tac68/

Nice! Just like that.

 

[Harvieux]

I think wringing ones hands over what might happen is a huge waste of time. There are very few of these cars failing. This entire issue is getting so blown out of proportion it's unreal.

About a month ago I had a conversation with the shop Foreman at a local to me VW dealer. I brought up the fuel system failures and his eyes lit up as he went on to say that he had 2 CBEAs and one Audi Q7 so far and he feels it could be a huge overall issue for VW/Audi. All 3 had to have the entire fuel systems replaced at a tune North of $8K for the CBEAs and even more for the Q7. I seriously doubt the owner's of these vehicles were tdiclub members. Granted, it may be a bit early to determine this to be a totally inevitable issue but, one must be losing sleep knowing what may transpire once the unconscionable and decontented 3/36 warranty expires, especially with VWs lack of stepping up to the plate reputation. I think it's a shame when one thinks they would be lucky only to have to deal with possible BEW, BRM, BHW cam wear or a BRM DMF issues but, that truly seems to be the case so far. Oh, and we can't forget about the BHW BS issue. I truly think this HPFP issue could end up being a real big deal due to the unGodly, out of warranty cost associated to repair but, *** do I know, eh? Later!

 

[Jetta Knight]

he had 2 CBEAs and one Audi Q7 so far and he feels it could be a huge overall issue for VW/Audi. All 3 had to have the entire fuel systems replaced at a tune North of $8K

I truly think this HPFP issue could end up being a real big deal due to the unGodly, out of warranty cost associated to repair but, *** do I know, eh? Later!

You are assuming that during the "in warranty" period they will repair the car. It is exactly that issue (lack of customer service) that will doom this car. It's bad enough that the actual problem exists but OUTRAGEOUS that they blame YOU for contaminated fuel. An extended warranty is no comfort either since the third party holder (Fidelity) will most certainly deny coverage for this issue. Quite a gamble to walk into when purchasing a new vehicle. I can't think of another car that carries the liability that this car does currently. Sure, others have problems but do they carry an $8K per problem repair price tag???

 

[Harvieux]

You are assuming that during the "in warranty" period they will repair the car. It is exactly that issue (lack of customer service) that will doom this car. It's bad enough that the actual problem exists but OUTRAGEOUS that they blame YOU for contaminated fuel. An extended warranty is no comfort either since the third party holder (Fidelity) will most certainly deny coverage for this issue. Quite a gamble to walk into when purchasing a new vehicle. I can't think of another car that carries the liability that this car does currently. Sure, others have problems but do they carry an $8K per problem repair price tag???

Hey JK, I may have answered some of your good points in post #12 linked below. Let me know your thoughts. Later!

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=278142

 

[Bob S.]

Careful Harv, the moderators locked dwiesel's thread. This one may go the same way.

 

[Harvieux]

Careful Harv, the moderators locked dwiesel's thread. This one may go the same way.

Hi Bob. Well, if they do lock such threads, I say shame on them for doing so. Many of the real veteran members here think this venue has gone to pot with their vial attempt to be politically correct, selective favoritism, and appeasement of true wrong doers but, *** do I know, eh? BTW, don't get me fricken started here, eh? LOL! Later!

 

[1998993C2S]

About a month ago I had a conversation with the shop Foreman at a local to me VW dealer. I brought up the fuel system failures and his eyes lit up as he went on to say that he had 2 CBEAs and one Audi Q7 so far and he feels it could be a huge overall issue for VW/Audi. All 3 had to have the entire fuel systems replaced at a tune North of $8K for the CBEAs and even more for the Q7. I seriously doubt the owner's of these vehicles were tdiclub members. Granted, it may be a bit early to determine this to be a totally inevitable issue but, one must be losing sleep knowing what may transpire once the unconscionable and decontented 3/36 warranty expires, especially with VWs lack of stepping up to the plate reputation. I think it's a shame when one thinks they would be lucky only to have to deal with possible BEW, BRM, BHW cam wear or a BRM DMF issues but, that truly seems to be the case so far. Oh, and we can't forget about the BHW BS issue. I truly think this HPFP issue could end up being a real big deal due to the unGodly, out of warranty cost associated to repair but, *** do I know, eh? Later!

So true Harv! ~ +1

The USA VW distributor's Customer Service operations suck, period. Great German designed cars to be sure, then VW USA (distributor) shoots themselves in the foot year after year. VW USA coughed up $5K to this customer when push came to shove. (Over a DSG related no start condition)

Our TDI is a nice enough car (my daily driver) and the VW dealership is getting better all the time however this is our last VW. You can thank VW Customer Service; amateurs!

 

[Bob S.]

Hi Bob. Well, if they do lock such threads, I say shame on them for doing so. Many of the real veteran members here think this venue has gone to pot with their vial attempt to be politically correct, selective favoritism, and appeasement of true wrong doers but, *** do I know, eh? BTW, don't get me fricken started here, eh? LOL! Later!

Harv, +2.

 

[MacBuckeye]

Props to you my friend...

Hi Bob. Well, if they do lock such threads, I say shame on them for doing so. Many of the real veteran members here think this venue has gone to pot with their vial attempt to be politically correct, selective favoritism, and appeasement of true wrong doers but, *** do I know, eh? BTW, don't get me fricken started here, eh? LOL! Later!

Ya, what he said!!!! There are more people here who think/feel the same way you do. Some just don't have the balls to speak up. They leave it up to people like you and me and a few others! And I love your signature BTW. I'm hoping for some serious change. Can't be soon enough! What was this thead about again?