2010 Volkswagen Jetta: engine failure

Filed Aug 18, 2020 · Engine · 118,400 miles · NY

I have a 2010 vw jetta with 118k on it and while I was driving my engine died on me in the middle of the highway causing some serious safety issue. I evetually had the car towed to nearest repair shop and they estimated repair cost to be between 4-5k range to replace the timing chain tensinor. I did a quick google search and found thounds of people complaing about the same issue. Vw seriously needs to look into this. Very dissaponted. Won't buy another vw every again.

Filed Sep 27, 2016 · Engine · 84,000 miles · OH

My wife's 2010 jetta 2.0t tsi experienced an engine stall and complete loss of power while driving at approximately 40 MPH on a straight section of city street. This was a routine trip under clear weather conditions. With no traffic behind her, she safely coasted to the side of the road. After waiting 5-10 minutes she was able to restart the engine and, with no check engine lights appearing, drive approximately four miles home. The following morning, upon starting the engine, multiple cylinder misfires began occurring and the engine was immediately shutoff and the car was towed to the dealership for diagnosis. The dealership discovered that the stall was due to the timing chain tensioner failing, which allowed the timing chain to skip six teeth on the camshaft and the valves to contact the pistons resulting in the engine self-destructing. They recommended a nearly complete engine replacement at a cost of over $8,000. The car was purchased brand new in 2009 and has been maintained impeccably as specified by vw. Speaking with the dealership engine technician, we learned that the timing chain tensioner is a known defective part by vw and that in 2011-2012, was revised several times in an attempt to mitigate the failures. A technical service bulletin was issued by vw to dealerships and service departments explaining the issue but no notices or recalls were sent to customers informing them of this potentially deadly component failure. I have read, but not independently verified, that vw has issued a recall for this specific component in europe. Since the beginning of 2016, and owing to the significant safety hazard, as many as three class-action lawsuits have been filed against volkswagen for this specific component failure. We are thankful no one was seriously injured or killed when the car stalled during operation, but now we are facing over $8,000 in repairs.

Filed Jul 30, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 10,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 volkswagen jetta. While at a stop light, an abnormal noise could be heard coming from the engine without warning. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated prior to the engine failure. The vehicle had to be towed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine was defective. The high pressure fuel pump relay needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 286,000 miles · MO

Incident occurred when approaching an intersection. Engine died as if the car ran out of fuel. Tried to restart the car but the car would not turnover. It would only crank. Acted like it ran out of fuel but there was half a tank of fuel.

Filed Mar 10, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · MD

While driving, glow plug indicator flashed rapidly, indicating engine malfunction. Car experienced a reduction in power. After parking in parking lot, car started up and appeared initially ok, but then experienced total engine failure after driving <300 feet. Car was towed to mechanic. Mechanic indicates that metal fragments/flakes were found distributed throughout fuel system/engine, consistent with failure of high pressure fuel pump. Mechanic stated that this condition was consistent with pictures/description found in technical service bulletin 23 14 03.

Filed Jan 4, 2015 · Electrical, Fuel system · 47,900 miles · GA

After entering street, after approximately 1/2 mile, glow light indicator came on and did not flash, a pop sounded and the engine died and could not be restarted, vehicle was towed 25 miles to dealership, waiting for diagnosis. No prior warning lights or indicators that the engine was inoperable. Had a new battery and had just made a trip of 345 miles two days prior.

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · Fuel system · 125,000 miles · AL

I was traveling in rural alabama and my engine failed; I pulled over and it would not crank. It is currently in the shop. Fuel pump failure.

Filed Jun 7, 2014 · Fuel system · 56,309 miles · CA

My 2010 jetta sportswagen tdi diesel stalled while moving from a driveway onto a residential street. There was no warning of imminent disablement except for a 5 seconds of engine "sputter". The weather was warm and dry, and the battery had just been replaced. The vehicle was trucked to the vw dealership in cerritos ca. The service manager seemed to sense the nature of the problem, and the car was inspected by a vwoa representative on the following business day. Metal contamination was found in the fuel system. The fuel system was replaced, including the fuel pump, after one extra day of waiting for the delivery of the necessary parts. Although the vehicle was out of warranty, vwoa approved the repair at their expense. I feel that this type of abrupt engine failure is a serious safety issue that could have caused a crash if it occurred on a more heavily traveled roadway.

Filed Jan 16, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 143,207 miles · MD

I was driving on the freeway (at speed) on my way to work when my 2010 jetta tdi suddenly stalled. I was lucky that the engine did not lock up as I would have been rear ended. However, I continued to coast at speed. I was able to coast over to the shoulder. The car would not start. I contacted a tow truck to tow me into the dealership. The dealership informed me that the inter turbo cooler was damaged due to the cold weather. I was also told that due to the cold weather ? They had seen this same occurrence at least 4 times that day alone. Upon further research, it appears that a large number of owners in the us have experienced not being able to start, difficulty starting, and engine failure to due water being drawn into the engine from water condensing in the intercooler. Https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=207335707442566723762.0004b73a15cae256f489f&msa=0&iwloc=a this has caused cars to suddenly die while driving on public roads and highways with the potential of suddenly being hit by fast approaching traffic. It also seems evident that volkswagen has known about this issue since last winter. There appears to be numerous tech bulletins on the subject.

Filed Dec 15, 2013 · Fuel system · 65,000 miles · CA

Vehicle: 2010 vw jetta tdi (diesel) entered highway and accelerated up to approx 40 MPH then vehicle started to stall. A loud rattling noise was heard then "check engine light" came on. We immediately pulled over to shoulder and turned engine off. (engine did not stall out/off by itself, we turned engine off after pulling over) attempts to re-start engine failed. Starter would turn engine over but it would not start up. Subsequently we used a diagnostic code tool which indicated that there was a problem with fuel pressure. We had 1/2 tank of diesel so we did not run out of fuel. Battery was strong enough to turn over engine and all electrical systems still worked. We believe this maybe an issue with the fuel pump failing.

Filed Oct 18, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 57,997 miles · IN

On oct. 4, 2013 the high pressure fuel pump failed while I was driving. The glow plug light started to blink, I started to pull over planning to shut the car off and restart it to see if the light went off. Before I got pulled over the engine died and would not restart. It had to be towed to the dealership. It could have been a very dangerous situation had I been driving in high speed traffic on the freeway. The high pressure fuel pump failure sent metal shavings through out the entire fuel system. All pumps, injectors, fuel rails, filters, lines all had to be replaced. The fuel tank had to be cleaned and lines all flushed. Thankfully it was covered by vw 60000 mile powertrain warranty. I have read about a lot of other people who have had this happen. It is very dangerous when your car just dies going down the road and will not restart.

Filed Jul 3, 2013 · Fuel system · 70,100 miles · NJ

Routine fuel filter replacement revealed metal flakes in the fuel filter indicative of fuel pump failure which could lead to engine failure at speed. Vehicle: 2010 jetta tdi sportwagon (diesel).