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Volkswagens are quality German cars with a long history of reliability and intelligent engineering. However, as cars are examples of complex engineering, no vehicle is ever without its faults. These faults can be heavily impacted by age and poor maintenance.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the common issues you could face as a Volkswagen driver that could be the reason your car fails to start when you turn the key in your ignition.
No car manufacturer or brand is perfect, and even if they were, life is full of all manner of unexpected events and circumstances which can impact on the overall condition of your car. As each manufacturer develops its own tailor-made engineering and parts development systems, different brands can become riddled with different types of failure.
It is important to note that these inherent brand failure tropes are often not catastrophic and can almost always be entirely avoided with correct maintenance practices. They most certainly do not detract from the vehicle or driving experience as a whole, and if minor, these problems do not negatively reflect the manufacturer or brand.
Remember, cars are highly-complex pieces of machinery with thousands of parts, and while brands rigorously test each part for a variety of circumstances, there really is no such thing as a perfect vehicle.
Below are listed some of the most common issues Volkswagens are known to face, which can affect their ability to start. It is always important to know some of the potential parts failures of your chosen vehicle, as this knowledge will help you diagnose problems quickly and ensure the repair needed is both simple and affordable.
1. Check Engine Light
This is a problem often faced by drivers of Volkswagen’s hybrid models, such as the Jetta. This issue usually happens at low mileage and is usually just a sensor error or a software malfunction. However, if you are a Jetta driver, this doesn’t give you a free pass to ignore the check engine light if it illuminates. This is a safety and warning system and should always be checked out by a professional as soon as possible. If unchecked and rightly illuminated, a catastrophic engine failure could be right around the corner, resulting in a Volkswagen that won’t start or that has engine damage.
2. Oil Sludge
This is an issue common to Passats from the early 2000s. This can result in engine failure due to a build up of oil sludge often caused by incorrect oil or oil that has not been changed often enough. Typically, these problems will begin to occur at around 70,000 to 90,000 miles. Therefore, if you’re an owner of the earlier models of Passat, keeping on top of your oil levels and changes should be essential. If not, you could be faced with an engine that becomes choked up, making it impossible to start.
3. Ignition Coil Failure
Another issue with the early 2000’s Passat, this probably will usually appear after around 75,000 miles. Signs of failing ignition coil include stalling, low engine power, and difficulties in starting the engine. This issue is quite easily resolved and will usually require a simple replacement. Infact, many good repair shops will often have replacement coils on hand, meaning repairs are fast.
Any vehicle, not just the Volkswagen, face countless reasons for failure to start. Issues such as a worn out battery, faulty MAF sensor, failed spark plugs, and ignition lock tumbler failure are all just a few examples of some of the common causes for engines that won’t start. There are more serious reasons of engine failure but a trip to the mechanic can diagnose and repair these issues far faster than Googling problem after problem and guessing at the fix.
While certain models of car will 
always be more likely to have certain types of failure, good maintenance standards will almost always help prevent or quickly diagnose any issue should it occur. If you are a Volkswagen owner living in or around Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, San Fernando Valley, or Los Angeles County, CA areas and it’s been sometime since you’ve last had your car serviced, call or stop by Euro Plus Automotive. We are specialists in European cars. No problem is too big or too small for our expert mechanics. With a 2 year/24,000 mile warranty on all parts and labour, our guarantee will put you at ease. Our dedicated team is certain you’ll drive away happy.
We don’t have to tell you how important it is to keep an eye on your gas mileage—it’s one of the most important qualities of any car for the average driver. Your gas mileage can be an unwanted expense, especially if you drive a car that already doesn’t get great gas mileage. Volkswagens, however, are known for their consistently great fuel efficiency, which is one of the reasons why consumers continue to look to the brand for excellence. If you’ve noticed an increase in fuel consumption in your Volkswagen lately, it’s likely due to an issue that has recently come up that requires your attention. In this article we’ll go over some of the key reasons behind increased fuel consumption and what you can do for your VW to restore it back to its original functioning.
One of the biggest reasons for decreased fuel efficiency is inadequate tire health. Uneven wear patterns, improper pressure levels, and worn out treat can lead to a significant decrease in fuel economy; however, this issue is easily fixed. If your Volkswagen is showing signs of inefficient fuel use, it’s best to start with the tires—as they’re the simplest place to begin.
Your fuel injection system is what disperses the fuel into the engine for combustion and ignition processes. When the fuel injectors become clogged, which happens quite often and over periods of time of use, the fuel cannot make it into the engine in the proper amount, leading to an inefficient usage of fuel. Your fuel injectors should be inspected and cleaned routinely, as this can significantly reduce the likelihood of fuel consumption issues.
Your car has a specific, designated type of engine oil that works best for your specific Volkswagen car. If you use the wrong type of engine oil, it can lead to inefficient fuel use as your engine compensates for the extra heat generated by unnecessary friction. Your recommended oil type can be found in your owner’s manual, along with instructions for properly filling your tires with the right amount of pressure.
Many drivers underestimate the effect their own driving habits and typical driving conditions have on their gas mileage. Driving with a lead foot surely takes its toll on your engine, particularly your fuel consumption. Slow and steady acceleration is the most optimal way for your VW to utilize its fuel, and fast acceleration always burns gas too quickly. Paying attention to how you’re driving, or noticing any changes in your route, can help reduce your fuel consumption significantly.
In the ignition and combustion processes, the spark plugs play an integral role in igniting the fuel/oxygen mixture. When the spark plugs aren’t working properly or have begun to wear out, it can play a huge part in inefficient gas usage. Your spark plugs need to be replaced at a certain interval—be sure to refer to your Volkswagen owner’s manual to follow these guidelines.
Failing oxygen sensors and air filters are a few of the top reasons why gas mileage suffers in some VWs. As we mentioned before, the right fuel-to-oxygen ratio is critical for optimal combustion and ignition. If the ratio is off due to insufficient oxygen levels, then fuel consumption can skyrocket. It’s important to have sensors and air filters checked out regularly to prevent this issue.
Gas is expensive these days, and the Volkswagen professionals here at Euro Plus Automotive make it a point to optimize our clients’ vehicle functioning to save them money in the long run. Serving Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, the greater San Fernando Valley, and other areas in Los Angeles County, CA, since 1984 we have catered to a diverse clientele and have honed our knowledge and skills working specifically with Volkswagen cars. If you’ve noticed a decrease in your fuel efficiency recently, the problem could be related to any of the aforementioned issues. To schedule a diagnostic procedure and restore your VW to its optimal performance level, please call us directly or fill out our “make an appointment” form on our website.
* Volkswagen logo image credit goes to: vesilvio.
Your car is a complex inter-working of thousands of parts that all must be kept in functional, working condition in order for your car to run smoothly. In a Volkswagen, these parts are maintained on a specific schedule of service intervals that the manufacturer recommends for optimal driving conditions. The nuts and bolts that hold the various parts together can also become worn out, leaving the larger, more critical parts susceptible to failure—so your automotive services should be performed by a Volkswagen specialist for thorough results.
Suspension parts are the most susceptible to the intense vibration of road contact, because they tend to buffer the brunt of road impacts from potholes, divots, and bumps. One of the most critical “nuts and bolts” pieces of your Volkswagen’s suspension is the control arm bushings. The control arms serve an important purpose in your car’s performance, and when they begin to fail it can be catastrophic to the other suspension parts. However, sometimes control arm failure in your Volkswagen is due to simply worn-out bushings. In this article, we’ll elaborate more on what control arm bushings are and how you can prevent failure.
The control arm is part of a system, or an assembly, which is responsible for connecting the suspension to the car framework. The control arms are adhered to the frame by way of the control-arm bushings, which tend to absorb much of the road impacts your car experiences. Volkswagens are generally durable cars, known for their resiliency and projected life expectancy. Unfortunately, control arms can be easily damaged, despite the fact that they aren’t supposed to need replacement until around the 100,000 mile mark. It’s important for drivers to pay attention to the common signs and symptoms of control arm or control-arm bushing failure so that they can protect the other parts of their suspension from damage.
The symptoms of control arm or bushing failure can mimic the symptoms of other suspension issues. The most important thing is that you bring your Volkswagen in for servicing as soon as you notice the slightest shift or change in performance. Some of the most common signs of failure are: intense road vibrations in the steering wheel; shaking or clanking noises when going over bumps or road divots; and uneven tire wear.
As we mentioned before, control-arm bushing failure is usually due to the driving conditions one experiences. For instance, if you typically drive your car over bumpy roads, your control arms and bushings are absorbing many more impacts over a shorter period of time than perhaps other drivers. Furthermore, over time these parts must be replaced, so the age and mileage on your vehicle can contribute to whether or not your control arms are more likely to fail sooner rather than later.
These parts of your suspension withstand a lot of shaking and intense vibrating from road imperfections, so it’s important to have them checked out regularly by a Volkswagen specialist to stay on top of maintenance procedures. If you have your suspension inspected frequently, your Volkswagen technician can catch these issues before they turn into serious, and expensive, automotive repairs. Furthermore, if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms of control arm or bushing failure in your car, it’s important to remain proactive and schedule an inspection sooner than later—it might directly affect your repair bill and the reliability of your car.
For over 30 years, the Volkswagen experts here at Euro Plus Automotive have serviced countless numbers of clients’ vehicles from the LA County areas of Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, and the greater San Fernando Valley in sunny California. Southern California is filled with plenty of rough backroads that drivers often take to escape the bumper-to-bumper traffic on highways and freeways. Unfortunately, these rough road conditions can take a toll on our cars’ suspension system, which includes control arms and bushings. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of failing bushings, it’s critical to have it checked out by one of our professionals as soon as possible—please contact one of our helpful professionals to schedule an inspection today.
* Grey Volkswagen Passat image credit goes to: kurmyshov.
Euro Plus Automotive specializes in maintenance, services, & repairs with certified technicians and cutting-edge tools & equipment for European vehicles including Audi, BMW, Mercedes, & more as well as Japanese cars like Honda, Nissan, Toyota, & more.
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