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

[NSTDI]

A friend had a problem with his 13 DSG TDI Passat yesterday, high pitched whine, CEL, no power. 76000KM's. Put out lots of white smoke, started making funny noises, then quit and wouldn't restart.

He was 100KM's from the dealer, he called VW and they told him they would only tow it 50KM's on their bill, he would have to pay the rest. He said how much is that gonna be- $250. With all the VW TDI news lately, can you believe that. He should have asked them if he could use his gift card?

He had CAA, they towed it to the dealer who was tearing it dwon today to find out what it was. As someone who had his go, I'm betting turbo.

 

[NYTDIBoy]

A friend had a problem with his 13 DSG TDI Passat yesterday, high pitched whine, CEL, no power. 76000KM's. Put out lots of white smoke, started making funny noises, then quit and wouldn't restart.

He was 100KM's from the dealer, he called VW and they told him they would only tow it 50KM's on their bill, he would have to pay the rest. He said how much is that gonna be- $250. With all the VW TDI news lately, can you believe that. He should have asked them if he could use his gift card?

He had CAA, they towed it to the dealer who was tearing it dwon today to find out what it was. As someone who had his go, I'm betting turbo.

I know in the US I had to call the US customer service, I was unsuccessful with the tow bill but did get them to cover 2 glow plugs that were damaged in turbo explosion. Perhaps the canadian version will be more likely to cover this now with all the bad press lately!

 

[kydsid]

So there is a TSB for oil line and pump replacement with turbo. Is there any other tsb out there for this repair?

 

[jrm]

So there is a TSB for oil line and pump replacement with turbo. Is there any other tsb out there for this repair?

Nope, just the current one that covers properly clearing junk out of the intercooler and replacing the oil lines + pump

 

[Jbdesigns]

the following is the notes of the post i made in the report your turbo issue thread. here i will be able to comment more without junking up the other thread.

i have been very careful with the car to be sure it is warmed up properly. i have a hill to climb in the morning but i am able to drive 7 miles at 40mph to get the car warmed up before going up the hill. on the way home today, it was pretty cold (not as cold as i have seen but still chilly 7F) i was very careful to warm up the car slow on my way home. everything seemed quite normal as far as i could tell for the first 40miles. i was transitioning from a stretch of 55mph back road where we had been going about 50mph to a stretch of highway which is 65mph. on the ramp, i was following a semi. he was accelerating pretty slow (there is some slight snow on ground) i followed him to about 45mph and he was not seeming to accelerate much at that point. so i pulled around him and slightly accelerated in 4th gear being careful cause there was snow cover, and i shifted to 5th. i was now going about 50mph and i saw a flash on the dashboard. i at first thought it was the antiskid symbol as i was crossing a bridge and thought maybe the traction control was kicking in a little bit. i was still in 5th and looked down better and saw it was the glow plug light. i shifted into 6th but didnt accelerate anymore (probably about 55mph now). this whole time we were heading down a grade so acceleration was very mild. i held it at 55mph or so the rest of the way down this grade wondering why in the heck i am having this issue now. but as the road started to go back up hill again, i realized i was not being able to maintain speed as the pedal went in but no more go. i put on the flashers cause i could only do 40mph up the hill. i got off the expressway a mile down the road and gingerly drove the back road home another 13miles at 40mph in 4th gear. i could hear only a slight amount of whir when sitting at a traffic light, with all fans off and revving up to 2000rpm.

i will be suprised if this is not a turbo failure, but i will reply and edit this post once i do find out for sure.

one last note of possible relevance. today at lunch, i took the car out to get food. within the first couple minutes, i heard a regen start (engine cooling fans started whirring away and the idle rpm was up a tick as always during the regen). this regen started before the car was warmed up and i have never seen this happen before. it was still pretty cold out at 15F so i was surprised a regen started. i left the car run all through lunch and didn't shut it down (fast food today). the regen stopped before i drove back to work but it did take a long time since most of it was at idle. i will talk to the dealer about this regen event as it was not normal to me at all.

 

[Jbdesigns]

to the others that posted that i should not drive the car, well i did continue to drive it 13 more miles home at 40mph.

i called the dealer this morning and told them i had glow plug issue. i had the car towed to the dealer today and will wait for their initial diagnostics. i would love for this to be a hose issue and not the turbo itself. like i said, i felt as if I had been doing everything right to help the turbo live. but i also didn't hear any horrible whine noise like so many others have expressed when their turbos failed.

i will update here and on my original post once i find more out.

jrm: why do you think that i may only have a hose issue? what is your diagnosis based on? not critical, just want to know why you think this.
thanks,

 

[NSTDI]

Mine made no noises when it quit working, just no power, glow plug light, then CEL. I was early on in the failures, I drove mine to the dealer the next day, it was in limp mode.
Don

 

[c-wagen]

Jbdesigns: I pointed to not driving the car because, as has been pointed in this thread, others that kept driving it made a bad situation worse, as turbo failure leaked oil to the exhaust, contaminating with oil the diesel particulate filter (expensive to replace), and risking running the engine at low oil levels. Now, about your case: you do not report smoke from the exhaust (oil leaking telltale), and no other noises. You report being able to drive up to 40 MPH after failure, it is my impression is the fastes anybody has reported being able to drive after a turbo failure, so your car might be healthier than others going through that. Anyway, IF the turbo is not leaking oil after failure (improbable, considering the high speeds it spins, it can break apart if something goes awry) it might mean that what happened is that the rubber hose that connect the compressor outlet to the engine splitted (have happened before), leaving you with no pressure boost. The ECU might see that similar as a turbo failure, but is much more easy and cheap to repair. Still, the shop will confirm or trash this diagnosis. Please, keep us posted.
NSTDI: did your shop/dealership reported oil in the exhaust/DPF? Was the filter serviced?
Note: people that had the air hose fail had reported sometimes a whooshing noise from the engine bay when revving. Do you recall anyting like that?.

 

[WolfPack]

Have you not received your good will package that included roadside assistance?

 

[NSTDI]

Have you not received your good will package that included roadside assistance?

It was still moving in limp mode and he wasn't far from home. Maybe he needed to use the bathroom in a hurry?

Don

 

[Jbdesigns]

I am hoping maybe not as bad as i thought based on comments made. I could easily maintain 40mph and could have gone a bit faster. I was trying to be gentle. It didnt have much power though. Since it was running sort of ok, i kept going. I saw no smoke but didn't look close.

At a light i gave it a little throttle and heard maybe a soft whir. I was expecting terrible noises but didnt hear them.

I did get my cards but havent activated them yet. And i used the free roadside assistance to get the tow so that was timely.

No answer from shop yet. I called to check and they said they were still waiting for it to be dropped off. After confirming with tow service they did drop it, i called dealer again. Now he found the car. While telling me he would get back, I didn't get a call.

One more note, i had to start it this morning just to get it down the driveway. 10-15 seconds running. But there wasn't a glow plug light blinking. Huh?? It was very cold this morning, 4F. Also, my exhaust flap is needing replaced and that light has been on for a month. Hard to get to the dealer so i haven't been there yet to get it fixed under the special recall. Guess it will get replaced now.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[tdiatlast]

I am hoping maybe not as bad as i thought based on comments made. I could easily maintain 40mph and could have gone a bit faster. I was trying to be gentle. It didnt have much power though. Since it was running sort of ok, i kept going. I saw no smoke but didn't look close.

From what you've posted, it doesn't sound like a catastrophic turbo failure. For your sake, I hope that's true

However, we all need to keep in mind: These small turbos spin extremely fast at the smallest provocation, the very slightest throttle mvmt.

Best advice continues to be: STOP the engine if there is any suspicion of turbo failure!

 

[Jbdesigns]

got my car back from VW.

as you could guess from a quick turnaround, I did NOT have a turbo failure. yeah. i am glad that no turbo issues.

what i was told is that the exhaust flapper going bad probably caused the other codes to pop up. here is what was on the car when it arrived:
P159200 charge pressure sensor
P023400 Turbo over boost
P011100 Intake Air Temp sensor
P048C00 Exhaust pressure
P0202A00 Reductive tank heater control
P0202B00 Reductive tank heater control circuit low
P026A00 Charge air efficiency below threshold
P023400 Turbo over boost static
VAG02214 Tire pressure warning intermittent
B108F71 Temp lap motor actuator jammed

after replacing the exhaust flapper (there is a number 1Ko-253-691-J), the only code to not clear I was told was the reductive heater code. But i don't know which one or both. i will get my buddies vag com to trouble shoot that more. but it would appear i am in for the F'n adblue heater fix in the middle of winter.

i had "fixed" the exhaust flapper twice so far by removing it, cleaning it and freeing it up. i don't think this new one will last very long either.

the dealer also replaced my clock spring per a recall 69L2

they also did the software update 25N5 ECM software.

i was charged $150 for diagnostic labor.

i got the credit cards activated and used the VW card to pay this bill.

i will edit the post in the turbo failure report post to state there was no failure.

good job to those that determined that this was not likely a turbo failure based on the information i provided to the forum.

 

[skinnyv]

I hope we are not joining this club. 32k miles 2013. Wife driving , says loss of power check engine and glow plug light on. I check it out funny noise and loss of power like she stated, I didn't even need to move the car.
Called VW roadside, took forever. It is now at the dealership but may need to wait until Friday. We are under 3 yr 36k warranty by a few months, hope anything will be covered.

Just to add wife gassed up Friday and called me to say oops forgot the receipt. Lol first one we forgot in all 32k miles. I called the chevron, they said no problem bring the card in and a receipt can be printed. He also claimed thousands of gallons processed daily and no calls yet so hope it's not a fuel issue.

I'll post results, it may not even be a failure but symptoms brought me here.

 

[jrm]

25N5? or 23N5 update? Here is why not to drive on a blown turbo explained at 3:40 minute mark- iv posted lots of this guys videos but they never get old with his style of humor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLsDTW5Y8Ao

 

[skinnyv]

Hi,

I am being told there was rodent damage to the actuary of the turbo (causing glow plug and check engine light). Something about leaks in hoses. $300+ to fix and then recheck.
Do i need to be concerned about any other damage from this leak?? I am now concerned they can get out of warranty on other parts over this. Car is going to be down well over one week. Bummer.

I will delete these posts from this thread since I may be fine from any failure.

Thanks

 

[BPofMD]

Rodent damage is covered by your comp insurance.

 

[NSTDI]

Hi,

I am being told there was rodent damage to the actuary of the turbo (causing glow plug and check engine light). Something about leaks in hoses. $300+ to fix and then recheck.
Do i need to be concerned about any other damage from this leak?? I am now concerned they can get out of warranty on other parts over this. Car is going to be down well over one week. Bummer.

I will delete these posts from this thread since I may be fine from any failure.

Thanks

Leaks likely won't hurt anything since mostly it is a reduced turbo pressure which triggers the lights. I can't see this causing other issues or damage.

Don

 

[skinnyv]

Fixed and back to normal. Thanks for the responses.

 

[Tdjohnson]

2012 Passat TDI SEL 52k miles.

On Wednesday the turbo was replaced after CEL, GPL, and loss of acceleration. Picked up the car the day after part was overnighted to finish our 14 hour drive back home. 300 'miles later same exact issue, CEL, GPL, and loss of power. By a stroke of luck my husband was 2 miles from a dealer in Mobile, AL. They took a quick look at it as it was Saturday afternoon, and we were told possible "emissions issue". Is it possible for the turbo to fail in just 300 miles or is it more probable the tech at the first shop missed something? Hoping for a call tomorrow from the shop to update. Dealing with VWoA to pay for 2 rentals and 4 unexpected nights in a hotel along with another 12 hour round trip to even reclaim the vehicle.

 

[NSTDI]

Could be something minor caused by the repair, like oil in a sensor. Or they didn't clean out the mess caused by the original failed turbo. Was it a catastrophic failure?

Don

 

[Tdjohnson]

Could be something minor caused by the repair, like oil in a sensor. Or they didn't clean out the mess caused by the original failed turbo. Was it a catastrophic failure?

Don

Don,

I don't believe so. He was able to drive it to the dealer the first time as he wasn't very far. It was in limp mode and allowed him to drive the few miles. I have the notes from the first repair and they don't mention too much other than the turbo replacement. The 2nd incident was the exact repeat of the first...lights and limp mode. The first dealer did note there was oil in the exhaust.

 

[NSTDI]

Don,

I don't believe so. He was able to drive it to the dealer the first time as he wasn't very far. It was in limp mode and allowed him to drive the few miles. I have the notes from the first repair and they don't mention too much other than the turbo replacement. The 2nd incident was the exact repeat of the first...lights and limp mode. The first dealer did note there was oil in the exhaust.

Mine went the same way, lights and limp mode. I am on my second over 2 years now, no issues, knock on wood. I think VW will cover your costs, but its still a major PITA.

Don

 

[Tdjohnson]

Mine went the same way, lights and limp mode. I am on my second over 2 years now, no issues, knock on wood. I think VW will cover your costs, but its still a major PITA.

Don

Dealer just called; he said it was mass air intake and an exhaust sensor. However, it could be more but he advised they needed to repair those first and clear the codes in order to make sure that was ALL. Ugh. $857.

 

[NSTDI]

Sounds like something left over from the replacing of the turbo is the likely cause of those issues.

Good luck.

Don

 

[Tdjohnson]

Sounds like something left over from the replacing of the turbo is the likely cause of those issues.

Good luck.

Don

I asked our case manager to pull the diagnostics from the first dealer and those codes were not on the report further substantiating my argument to VWoA that the turbo caused these issues. Working on getting them to cover the bill....

 

[kevdanani]

Cause of Turbo Failure?

What is causing turbochargers to fail in 2013 Passat TDIs?
For example, low engine coolant, infrequent oil changes, fuel filter replacement?
VW has acknowledged a serious problem with the tubochagers and rather than issue a recall they offer an extended warranty coverage.
Can someone knowledgeable elaborate on what an owner can do to ensure he/she is covered by the warranty once failure occurs?

 

[kevdanani]

Moderator Note:
This thread is a merger of several other threads on a similar subject. They have been combined in order to keep all of the pertinent discussion in one convenient location instead of across several threads.

Please note that this is a DISCUSSION thread. To report a turbo failure, post in this thread: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=375789

UPDATES!

As of July, 2014, the turbocharger warranty for 2012 and 2013 Passats has been extended to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. Read the bulletin here: http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/3209/vwp-14-04_turbocharger_limited_warranty_extension_2012_-_2013.pdf

As of December, 2014, Volkswagen has issued a service action as follows. This action reprograms the computer and "softens" the warm-up strategy that VW has linked to turbo failures. Letters will be sent to vehicle owners starting in January, 2015 and this action will be done free-of-charge.

Thread Highlights:

• TurboDieselPoint's video confirming turbocharger surging during the emissions warm-up routine. This "warm-up routine" blasts the turbocharger with high boost and extreme exhaust temperatures in 3rd gear and higher during the first minute or two. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XyZfdEYtmzU

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wondering if anyone with a 2012 Passat has had a blown turbo yet.

A friend called today and mentioned that at 3000 miles, his turbo blew on his drive home from work.

He purchased the car new and it now has 12k miles. He and his wife really like the car. They do alot of highway driving.

Anyhow, when the turbo blew, he has it towed to the dealer and they fixed it under warrenty. My friend stated that it would have cost $6k to fix (sounds a little high, even for a dealer, bwdik?).

Probably too early to tell, but wanted to hear if anyone else has had this problem with their '12 Passat.

(I know of the "issue" of the HPFP, but was suprised to hear of his turbo problem.)

df

What is causing turbochargers to fail in 2013 Passat TDIs?
For example, low engine coolant, infrequent oil changes, fuel filter replacement?
VW has acknowledged a serious problem with the tubochagers and rather than issue a recall they offer an extended warranty coverage.
Can someone knowledgeable elaborate on what an owner can do to ensure he/she is covered by the warranty once failure occurs?

 

[jrm]

no one knows for sure, but over the 234 pages most think its a combination of over boost and high exhaust temps to bring the emission system up to operating within mandated guidelines. This puts high heat threw the turbo during warm-up- if you plug in a OBDII reader and watch both boost and exhaust temperatures they spike right when you hit 3rd gear on both the manual and DSG. I have personally seen 1200F just a minute after startup. I know several people with these cars and we all take it easy on them until warm, and none of us have had any trouble what so ever.

 

[NSTDI]

Some have failed as early as 750 miles, in warm weather, so the turbo was a sub standard piece to start with, not engineered strong enough to fit the conditions this particular urea system creates. They have also failed during a long drive, well after warm up. What JRM says may help you not lose your turbo, but it is speculation.

To ensure you have a warranty covering your failure, make sure you keep your maintenance up to date, especially oil changes with the correct oil.

Beyond that, you have a lottery ticket. There is no way to know which turbo will fail and which will not. Just check out the threads on those that have failed and the mileage at failure.

Don