2006 Volkswagen Jetta: engine failure

Filed Jan 19, 2014 · Engine · 207,000 miles · MD

During a heavy rain, and while slowing to approach a stop , multiple emergency warning lights appeared in the dash display. Low oil pressure indicator advised to shut off engine immediately, glow plug indicator flashed, and tachometer went to zero (even though engine was still running). I shut off the engine, checked oil (level was fine), but the engine would not start. Towed back home, and 30 minutes later, engine started. No check engine light at any time. Problem recurred again in heavy rain several weeks later. Examined wiring harness and found twenty individual wear points in the wires where the insulation was worn enough to expose the copper strands. There were numerous other wear points with no copper visible, but all of the insulation wear matched the corrugation of the ribbing in the plastic wire loom covering. Closer inspection of the wear points revealed the most prevalent and serious bare wire conditions were in the area of the harness support clamps. Very concerned regarding other similar potential wear problems that could result in engine failure or fire.

Filed Apr 28, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 83,000 miles · CA

We were driving in a residential neighbor hood at about 25mph and the car suddenly stopped accelerating as if the car was in neutral. Luckily, we were able to pull over and park. The car went into fail safe mode (which I now know). About 5 different error lights were on as well as the gear lights flashing. Put the car in park and shut off the engine, let it rest and then proceeded to restart with the same engine error. The car wouldn't reverse or go over 2nd gear. I can't even imagine if this happened on the freeway it has been serviced regularly at my local vw dealer on time and is now out of warranty. Prior to this specific engine failure, I have had numerous problem with my gli, from interior, electrical, to the turbo. I started having problems very early on with this car, some were covered by the warranty and some were not. Incredibly disappointed in the quality of my gli all around.

Filed Mar 30, 2012 · Engine, Transmission · 115,000 miles · MI

This vehicle is a 2006 turbo diesel vw jetta. I was driving on the highway when engine failed, no warning lights. Experienced loss of power, rough idling, valve train noise and transmission noise. Had vehicle towed to certified mechanic. Mechanic found complete loss of compression on one piston and scored lifters. Also dual mass flywheel was making loud noise and needs to be replaced. Volkswagen dealership quoted est 1800 dollars for parts and labor for flywheel and certified mechanic recommends rebuilt engine for appx 5000 dollars plus labor to install. Estimate will be complete next week. Total will est around 9 to 10,000 dollars for towing, inspecting vehicle to find issues, parts and labor. Spoke with volkswagen of america consumer advocate who offered us $750 off a new vw. This vehicle has been well cared for with appropriate oil changes using vw approved oil. Most of the mileage was obtained as highway miles.

Filed Mar 11, 2011 · Engine · 84,000 miles · WI

I was leaving for a trip from milwaukee to madison to start a long weekend vacation. I was I-94 traveling 65 MPH when my vehicle's epc light came on and the engine died. This rendered me useless on a busy highway fearing for my safety. The car died in the middle of heavy traffic due to it being the end of the work day. The timing chain broke on the vehicle while in motion causing engine interference and requiring a replacement. No assistance was provided by vw stating it was fault of operator error. Independent company that put replacement engine in stated this malfunction could not have been caused by no adhering to preventative maintenance or operator error as car manufacturer previously mentioned.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Visibility · 85,000 miles · CO

The windshield wipers failed after being stuck to the windshield. The motor did not have time to burn out as it was instantaneous when I accidentally hit the wand when starting the car. It seems as if the wipers seized immediately when experiencing the resistance from the ice. There was very little ice, in fact, I didn't even have to scrape the windshield. It is a safety concern as I was preparing to drive home during a snow storm. The mechanism should be able to withstand more resistance.

Filed May 3, 2010 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · OH

I purchased the 2006 volkswagen jetta tdi from a private owner 6 months ago. There was a sound apparent when I purchased it but I thought it was typical for a diesel vehicle, after 6 months of driving I took it to my mechanic and was told that the dmf (dual mass flywheel) was failing. I've done research online to find that the dmf manufactured by sachs that volkswagen uses in their 2000 and later models have a high rate failure after in as little as 10,000 miles. Causing complete transmission or engine failure of varying degrees. The cost for this repair can range between $2000.00 - $8000.00. Not only is the expense high due to a manufacturer defect in the flywheel, but the risk is even higher, causing hesitation in acceleration when pulling out into traffic or sudden wheel lock and loss of control at any given moment while traveling. It is highly recommended that this problem be address for the safety and concern of any volkswagen vehicle owner with this defective flywheel.

Filed Aug 25, 2009 · Engine · 60,000 miles · AL

I owe a 2006 volkswagen jetta that I have been back and forward for a licensed dealership reporting that my car shuts off completely while driving. Iit have been during this about june 2007 and it has been to dealership about 6 times for this same thing I took it in april 2008 and they told me I need a new engine after several of months letting them diagnose the problem. I am paying car note for a car I can not drive. I seen good morning america and they say it is only 2009-2010 models when I have a 2006 they has shut off on me in traffic in birmingham, al , mobile, and mississippi. I call volkswagen they told me that they could not help me because of my mileage they can only give me a 1000 dollars towards another volkswagen. I told them that I will not buy another. At 1st they told me that I need and o2 sensor and the next time they could not find anything until they reported that it was my engine. I feel it is not fair for me to pay for a engine because I have brought the car to them on 5 occasion and I call to report the car shut off in montgomery, al on march 19, 2008 and they told me to have it tow to the dealership in mississippi who was familiar with car. I was starting it for the tow truck to take to dealer and the car we haywild.

Filed Feb 24, 2009 · Electrical · 56,500 miles · MA

To whom it may concern: I purchased a 2006.5 volkswagen jetta tdi in september of 2006. I believe that I have found a major manufacturing defect that can cause fire, an accident, or both. It surely is a major safety issue, a danger to the driver, all passengers, and other cars as well. When driving the vehicle, the car has total loss of power . After a failed repair attempt by my dealer, I took it upon myself to investigate the problem. I found that the main engine feed harness has major wire chafing causing wires to contact each other, potentially causing fire. This also causes the car to stall with all power lost. I directed myself to the tdi forum where many vw enthusiasts and service tech's gather to talk about their cars. I quickly found many other owners finding the same problem. Bare wires rubbing together. I have reason to believe that vw is aware of the problem as well. The only way to properly correct the problem is a new engine harness, with a larger loom, or padding around the wires.

Filed Nov 3, 2008 · Transmission · 74,500 miles · TX · fire

The volkwagen tdi 1.9l engine when coupled to the dsg( direct shift gear) transmission has an extremely high failure rate of the dmf (dual mass flywheel). Failures have occurred between 10k and 100k miles. The internal construction of the flywheel is improper and will separate leading to the total failure of the unit. When the unit fails it causes a very specific and potentially deadly set of circumstances. The dmf can separate and then fracture into large shrapnel type pieces. This shrapnel will the cause the transmission and possibly the engine to seize. When the seizure occurs is causes the front tires to lock and subsequent loss of control of the vehicle resulting in possible injury or death. The shrapnel can also cause the failure of the transmission case resulting it the loss of pressurized transmission fluid. This fluid can contact the turbocharger and result in an under hood fire. Catastrophic engine failure is common as well. Vwa(volkswagen of america) is aware of this problem and has redesigned the dmf. The new design has not failed. The dmf has been recalled in the european union as a safety concern . Vwa has been successful in not covering this repair under even it's standard warranty. No voluntary recall has been issued. I currently have an example of the failed part available. This model has the potential to cause injury or death on a large scale if not addressed.

Filed May 9, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 85,486 miles · VA

Engine failure on my 2006 volkswagen diesel jetta. The electronic control fuel injector over fueled the cylinders and caused the pull rods to bend and damaged the engine, costs are $7,500 to repair the engine. Car is only 2 and half years old with 85,0000 miles.

Filed Aug 3, 2007 · Transmission · 58,000 miles · CO

Flywheel and clutch catastrophic failure. Clutch pedal went completely to floor and engine seized up. Clutch would not disengage engine and was seized up. Driver was operating vehicle at low speed when failure occurred. If failure had happened at highway speeds it likely would have resulted in high-speed wreck.

Filed Apr 25, 2007 · Brakes, Transmission · 34,347 miles · TX

In january something broke off from the transmission and killed the entire engine. It got a new engine and a new transmission. That has LED to a slew of other different problems from minor rattles to dangerous exhaust leaks and oil leaks. Corporate vw was only able to give me two months credit on my loan which from reading everywhere is just their way of getting us to shut up. Now my rear brakes are metal to metal and I have a bearing problem. I have read that this is a common problem but my service department states that I caused it by hitting a curb which in turn ruined the bearing. I think the bearing was ruined when they put in the new engine and screwed with the torque.