TURBO: 2012-2014 Passat turbo failures [discussion thread]

[psd1]

I can always tell the season: winter, a few NMS turbos fail, summer, a few CR Jetta high pressure fuel pumps fail.

Still trying to tow the line I see…
Two more failures reported yesterday.

 

[NYTDIBoy]

Some observations I've had using torque since my turbo exploded:

• When it is really cold, the computer uses double the amount of fuel at idle. Supposedly there will be a TSB for a reflash of the ECU to limit the amount of fuel on cold startup.
• When driving at road speed and you lift off the throttle and are essentially coasting in gear, the fuel shuts off completely and the EGT fall very rapidly. They can go from 700 degrees to under 400 in just a few seconds. For this reason I have taken to shifting to neutral when coasting. I don't like the idea of the thermal shock imposed on the turbo from the rapid heat/cool/heat cycles.
• When coasting in gear as above, fuel rail pressure will initially drop then there will be a rapid jump up to around 10-15k psi. Makes me wonder if the pressure relief is not working properly. This could very well be nothing but it's just something I noticed and thought was odd.

Does anybody find it odd that the manual in my old Jetta specifically said not to let the car run for more than a few seconds before driving it? I gave my old Jetta to a friend of mine and he still drives it every day and I think he is coming up on 350k and no turbo problems still. When I had it I used Delvac 1 and Rotella T, for the last 50k miles I am sure it has nothing but the cheapest oil that can be bought (because that's what my friend uses). How can they get it so right on the old car and screw it up so badly on the new one? I think it all comes down to the regen cycles that the new car is subjected to. When will they get their crap together and put a seperate injector after the turbo to eliminate these issues??

 

[tdiatlast]

Still trying to tow the line I see…
Two more failures reported yesterday.

Oh good grief. If you're going to continue to mock me, the least you could is spell correctly...

It's "TOE" the line.

 

[PassatSE4me]

One of those failures the dealer told the guy to keep driving it, then it goes completely. What is wrong with some people?

 

[ChadS99SVT]

I was wondering when the failures would start picking up again for winter. It seems like it's fewer this winter so far but unfortunately they are still happening

 

[VeeDubTDI]

One of those failures the dealer told the guy to keep driving it, then it goes completely. What is wrong with some people?

Yeah that was a terrible recommendation on their part. Never continue driving a car that has a failing turbo. Very expensive engine and emissions system damage can occur.

 

[jrm]

I read that too, that advice cost VW plenty of cash and totally threw more metal into the system. Although I firmly believe my dealer would say the exact same thing, since water in my headlight seems to be a standard acceptance.

 

[psd1]

I was wondering when the failures would start picking up again for winter. It seems like it's fewer this winter so far but unfortunately they are still happening

A quick look at the last two years worth of data doesn't support that claim.

Turbo failures have typically spiked from November through the end of March.
There have been 10 reported NMS turbo failures since October, 8 of those reported in November. I don't believe that we have had as cold of a winter this year as we did last year, extreme cold definitely appeared to play a part with failures last year.

I'm anxious to see if we will see a 23N5 updated car lose a turbo this year...

 

[paulpas]

For what it's worth I have a 2012, that I bought January 9th 2012, with 106,000 miles on it and the original turbo. No issues.

 

[jrm]

For what it's worth I have a 2012, that I bought January 9th 2012, with 106,000 miles on it and the original turbo. No issues.

im willing to bet you don't pass 1/4 throttle within the first 5 minutes? I have zero issues as well, but live on a 1 mile long gravel driveway that allows stuff to warm before 3rd gear is used

 

[paulpas]

im willing to bet you don't pass 1/4 throttle within the first 5 minutes? I have zero issues as well, but live on a 1 mile long gravel driveway that allows stuff to warm before 3rd gear is used

Correct. After having a b6 a4 1.8t and a c5 a6 2.7t I always warm the car up before I get on it; less than 2000 rpms. I sold the 2.7t with 230k miles on it with original k03s.

 

[jrm]

Heated garage too?
It seems to be very limited to people hitting 3rd within minute or two after a really cold startup.
Granted a few have blown up on a warm engine, Nord is one

 

[paulpas]

Nope. I'm bare ass naked in frigid Wisconsin. The coldest it's seen is -25F.

 

[Bobmws]

A quick look at the last two years worth of data doesn't support that claim.
Turbo failures have typically spiked from November through the end of March.
There have been 10 reported NMS turbo failures since October, 8 of those reported in November. I don't believe that we have had as cold of a winter this year as we did last year, extreme cold definitely appeared to play a part with failures last year.
I'm anxious to see if we will see a 23N5 updated car lose a turbo this year...

I wonder if there could be "mini" incidents of cold start damage that eventually add up to a failure in less extreme temperatures?

 

[Not_Agn]

While my car is at the dealer for the heater core I asked them to check the turbo out, make sure it's not been making contact with the housing. They said they can't unless there is a code or flashing light. Unless I want to pay an hour to check into it. Just thought they could maybe catch it a little early and save some parts.

 

[psd1]

I wonder if there could be "mini" incidents of cold start damage that eventually add up to a failure in less extreme temperatures?

I would have to believe that this is a "progressive" disease, and your statement is correct.

 

[kjclow]

While my car is at the dealer for the heater core I asked them to check the turbo out, make sure it's not been making contact with the housing. They said they can't unless there is a code or flashing light. Unless I want to pay an hour to check into it. Just thought
they could maybe catch it a little early and save some parts.

Problem is that if they don't find anything wrong, then who pays their diagnostics bill? Od if they do find something wrong but it hasn't failed, VWAG will probably not cover the warranty work to replace.

 

[tdiatlast]

Nope. I'm bare ass naked in frigid Wisconsin. The coldest it's seen is -25F.

...I always knew VW owners were weird...

 

[kjclow]

...I always knew VW owners were weird...

It's just the packer fans! I never did that when I lived in Racine.

 

[iantryinit]

I have read the first 20 pages but maybe someone can give me their advice. My turbo "blew" last week and when I asked if they are changing my oil the service rep says for $120 they can. I figure that should be covered under warranty with the turbo change to make sure no FOD in the oil. They said waiting 7-10 days for parts so have some time to argue.

 

[LokiWolf]

They are idiots if they don't change the oil, and not at your cost. $120? My dealer would do it 6 times for that price.

 

[iantryinit]

Yea I don't pay them for oil changes. This will be free or nothing. Will try to get ahold of VW Canada next week.

 

[jhinsc]

Just tell them as part of the turbo failure, the oil may be contaminated and needs a full drain and replacement along with the turbo. If they disagree with you, ask them to show you the spec's indicating where the oil does not come into contact with any part of the turbo. My guess is it won't even come to that and the oil will be changed as part of the replacement.

 

[SilverGhost]

Huh? TSB with repair instructions has the oil flushed once and changed after that.

Jason

 

[jrm]

plus its pretty hard to change the oil pump out without draining the oil Although I have seen some used car lots re-use old oil after lower end work, but this Sounds like they just want a few extra bucks to me.

 

[iantryinit]

Thanks guys. Will try.

 

[nnydiesel]

Norther NY State. Turbo blew the 2nd week of December.
Avg start up temp teens or low 20's in December.
2013 Passat SE TDI 8,000 miles.
Exited the highway and noticed a small turbo whine. About 1 mile later turbo noise was very loud and heavy black smoke with flashing alerts on dash. Took 8 days for the dealer to get the parts but I had a loaner passat. TSB was followed and all is OK so far and we have had average start temps for January at about zero or colder. Lowest was -32.

My dealer mentioned that the warranty for the turbo system and emissions system was extended to 100K miles. Should they provide this in writing to me or is there a memo somewhere I could keep with my files?

Miles on car at failure: 8,000
Build date:
Corrective actions from dealership: Followed TSB
Outside air temps at failure: 10 degrees
Failure warning signs, if any:Not sure if it is related to the failure or cold but I did have to top up coolant. Loss of power and turbo whine. Followed by heavy black smoke from exhaust.
Warning lights on dash/MFI: Once the heavy black smoke appeared, flashing ecm warning lights.
Problems since replacement:
Repair time: 12 days
Any dealer divulged info on other incidents involving other failures:Around 20 other failures.
Did the dealership perform all maintenance and on schedule: Yes.
If not dealership, what oil was used/miles on oil:
Are you the original owner of the car: No. 2nd owner.
Did you baby your car or not:Yes. Previous owner also adult driven.
Do you interrupt DPF regenerations: Unsure.
How long is your daily commute: 16 miles each way.
Transmission (DSG/auto or manual): DSG
Failed turbo part number (if known):
Replacement turbo part number (if known): 03L253056QX EXMAN TURBO
Did you have the Jan 2015 23N5 software update: Yes Completed at the time of repair.

Update: Check engine light on 1/28/15. Fault code for NOX SENSOR B1S1. Replaced sensor P/N: 03L907807AD. Dealership stated that they believe it is from the turbo failure as well and are reporting it to VW.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

Norther NY State. Turbo blew the 2nd week of December.
Avg start up temp teens or low 20's in December.
2013 Passat SE TDI 8,000 miles.
Exited the highway and noticed a small turbo whine. About 1 mile later turbo noise was very loud and heavy black smoke with flashing alerts on dash. Took 8 days for the dealer to get the parts but I had a loaner passat. TSB was followed and all is OK so far and we have had average start temps for January at about zero or colder. Lowest was -32.

My dealer mentioned that the warranty for the turbo system and emissions system was extended to 100K miles. Should they provide this in writing to me or is there a memo somewhere I could keep with my files?

The warranty extension is posted for reference in the first post of this thread (along with other pertinent information relating to the turbocharger).

It's actually 10 years or 120,000 miles and applies to 2012, 2013, and 2014 vehicles.

http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/3209/vwp-14-04_turbocharger_limited_warranty_extension_2012_-_2013.pdf

 

[psd1]

Norther NY State. Turbo blew the 2nd week of December.
Avg start up temp teens or low 20's in December.
2013 Passat SE TDI 8,000 miles.
Exited the highway and noticed a small turbo whine. About 1 mile later turbo noise was very loud and heavy black smoke with flashing alerts on dash. Took 8 days for the dealer to get the parts but I had a loaner passat. TSB was followed and all is OK so far and we have had average start temps for January at about zero or colder. Lowest was -32.

My dealer mentioned that the warranty for the turbo system and emissions system was extended to 100K miles. Should they provide this in writing to me or is there a memo somewhere I could keep with my files?

Sorry about your car, please follow the attached thread and complete the info requested.

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=375789

 

[SilverGhost]

The warranty extention is attached to the VIN. It is part of the report that "should" be attached with the RO in the dealer file when a car comes in for service. I know the service writes sometimes get lazy or figure high mile cars don't need a pull.

Probably could call customer care with your VIN and ask. Maybe even have them send you a copy of the letter if your car applies.

Jason