If Your Volkswagen Fails to Start, Visit Our Workshop at Canoga Park

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.

Common Parts Failures and Problems

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.

Issues Any Car Can Face

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.

Maintenance

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.