Volkswagen Passat whining noise problems

Filed Dec 13, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 40,000 miles · OH

I was driving on flat paved road at speed of 25-30 MPH when suddenly the RPM surged from 1 to 4, engine revved, made loud high pitch whine for several mins. I was not accelerating, only following another vehicle ahead. I was going to pull off the road and turn off the ignition, when this stopped & continued driving normally and noted the RPM was back to near 1. No panel or engine lights came on.

Filed Oct 2, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · IL

After replacing my car battery on 2010 vw cc, the red steering wheel icon appeared on the dash followed by 3 chimes to make known of problem. The steering wheel lost all power steering. Prior to occurance there was never any whining noise, abnormal shaking that could point to a problem with the steering rack. After researching I found others with the same issue and no easy fix but to tow to the shop and get a ridiculous quote on parts and labor for the replacement of the steering rack.

Filed May 30, 2015 · Transmission · 22,000 miles · AL

Pulled out of driveway, accelerated uphill. Sudden loud whine and loss of power. Glow plu g light and check engine light came on. Drove back to house in limp mode, called to have it towed to dealer. Dealer found broken turbocharger.

Filed May 29, 2015 · Transmission · 4,900 miles · NY

Purchased the car in december of 2012. Approximately march of 2013 at 4,900 miles the turbo began to "whine" and failed. Was replaced by vw after approximately 12 days. May of 2015, at 50,000 miles, the turbo failed again, starting with "whine", followed by loss of power and a "flashing glowplug light." second turbo replaced by vw. Clearly a design defect for the original and replacement part. Vw has extended the factory warranty on this defective part until 120,000 miles, but should be compelled to replace this part for the life of the vehicle as this car was purchased with the intent of driving it for more than 120,000 miles. There are multiple occurrences/reports of turbo failure for the 2012-2014 passat tdis listed at www.tdiclub.com . This is a safety issue as catastrophic failure of the engine can occur when the turbo fails as well as damage to the diesel particulate filter and other exhaust/emission control parts.

Filed May 12, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 21,755 miles · PA

Miles on car at failure: 21,755 corrective actions from dealership: replaced turbo, gaskets, reflash, check particulate filter and replace. Outside air temps at failure:20s 30s failure warning signs, if any: turbo began making horrible whining sound on sunday afternoon march 8, 2015. Called vw 3/9/15 and took to dealer 3/10/15 for emergency appointment prior to 3/12/15 first available appointment. No warning lights or indicators even after 3 days of driving with horrible noise. Warning lights on dash/mfi: no lights or indicators problems since replacement: now at 25,766 miles. Checked oil cap to change oil every 5k instead of 10k now that out of service contract and noticed particles around oil cap. Got magnet and found that many were magnetic. I have videos of the turbo whining before replacement and the magnetic particles identified last evening. Oil was not changed as part of turbo replacement nor were the high pressure lines to/from turbo. Prior oil change at 19,146 for 20k service. No particles around or in oil cap after that service. Turbo occasionally makes a distant whining noise upon startup but stops within a couple of seconds. Did the dealership perform all maintenance and on schedule: yes (2 different dealers for maintenance. One did 10k and turbo, the other did the 20k). If not dealership, what oil was used/miles on oil: oil was not changed as part of the turbo failure/replacement. Oil lines were not replaced either. 5w40 was used for 20k service at vw dealer prior to turbo failure. Do you interrupt dpf regenerators: try not to as most times I can smell the regen and notice the higher rpms and will continue driving. Have interrupted a couple that could not be avoided due to paying to park in a garage for work.

Filed Mar 26, 2015 · Engine · 15,000 miles · MD

Turbocharger failure at 15,000 miles; replaced and 2nd turbo failed at 25,000 miles. First failure was documented in a prior report and is repeated here. Failure 1 at ~15,000 miles in june 2014. Driving at highway speed in moderately heavy traffic at night, sudden complete loss of power. Was able to safely maneuver to shoulder and vehicle was then engulfed in black smoke. Was on the side of the highway for 1.5 hours waiting for tow truck sent by vw roadside assistance. Lots of traffic passing by very close and at highway speeds. The turbo was replaced under warranty. Failure 2 at ~25,000 miles in march 2015. Driving on local road, no shoulder, at 30-40 MPH. Noticed intermittent whining noise and partial loss of power. Was able to drive home. Car was towed to dealership next day where they are currently replacing the turbo again.

Filed Feb 27, 2015 · Engine · 35,250 miles · IA

Turbo failure. Whining sound coming from engine compartment. Louder as engine RPM's increase. This is the second failure of a turbo in this car. Fortunately, I caught it in time to not lose power. After tow in to dealership, they confirmed that it needs another replacement turbo to replace the first replacement turbo.

Filed Jun 3, 2014 · Engine · 18,500 miles · UT

There was a whine by the turbo then black smoke. I called roadside assistance and they took the car to the dealer. The turbo went out and the engine blew. No warning lights. The car had oil. Vw says pay 12k for a replacement engine and turbo. They will not cover under warranty because I missed the 10k service. We live in a remote area but I had added approved factory oil. I don't know what an oil change has to do with a turbo?

Filed May 15, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 7,000 miles · WA

Turbo failed on vehicle. Began as whining noise. Vehicle then showed check engine light and wouldn't accelerate above 1st gear.

Filed May 15, 2014 · Engine, Fuel system · 11,000 miles · WA

Turbo failed for second time and after only 4,000 miles. Began as whining noise. Vehicle then showed check engine light and wouldn't accelerate above 1st gear.