VW Jetta TDI

opsmaster · June 2012

Hi - I am currently doing some research into the 2012 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. Heard good things about the car, but no prior experience with diesel. I have come across a number of fuel pump failure and power loss stories related to the TDI. This makes me concerned. Does anyone know if the issue has been cleared up for 2012? Is it related to American diesel fuel or a product defect from VW? Thank you.

jcmoore5 · June 2012

I have a 2012 Jetta TDI. Alot of my coworkers have older ones. We all get in the high 40s and mid 50s on the highway. My coworkers have over 150k on theirs (03, 05, 09, and 11). We are all getting around 40-46 around town (DC + Southern MD). I never believed it until I did it my self. My buddy and I are tryin to see who can get the best mpg. He has a Golf TDI. He is winning right now with 70k miles on the car. He is pulling 55.3 mpg on the Beltway. My best is 52.3 mpg on the highway with 1900 miles on the car.

Oh and I did not pay $25K for my 2012 Jetta TDI DSG, TDI Monster Mats, CarGo sytem, Lip Spoiler, and Exhaust Tips.

fho2008 · June 2012

Thank you, it was a test drive, as I said wish TDI was available when I bought, it wasnt.

Instant econ showed 50 mpg, pretty much flat in my part of IL, and cruise was on.

Mr_Shiftright · June 2012

Oh we were talking about the Sportwagon at $25K ++, not the sedan.

Also we were talking about average MPG over a year's time, mixed city/hwy.

fho2008 · June 2012

Very similiar vehicles, just offering my 2 cents.

ruking1 · June 2012

In almost any analysis, I start with yearly mileage expected.

UPSHOT: TDI getting 26% better fuel mileage. Rug costing $358 more per year. Over 10 years one should expect to use 970 gals MORE fuel

So with fuel @ $3.79 D2, Rug @ $3.77 2012 Passat TDI 40.2 mpg: gasser @ 31.9 mpg (US High Average driver @ 15,000 miles = 373 gals *3.79= $1,414, 470 gals * 3.77= $1,772 , 97 gals more per year RUG. (www.fueleconomy.gov)

So that things are more AVERAGED than not, I also use 100,000 miles. 100,000 miles is really what ANY car is capable of doing.

Mr_Shiftright · June 2012

Yep, I know. The Sportwagon is just a lot pricier for some reason. More like $26,5K with the equipment you mentioned, plus T&L of course. Probably one reason they don't sell more of them.

ruking1 · June 2012

I scratch my head a bit on why VW wants to be THE #1 world wide auto oem. It is more profitable than almost any other automaker and by a LOT. @ number two, VW can really over take whoever is #1 almost at will. It is almost like they are ignoring history when both #1's had any number of serious issues. It is almost like shortly after GM hit #1 it declared chap 11. Toyota when it was #1 admitted publicly that it had lost its way and for the record lost literally billions of dollars.

To think it is one of the most profitable auto companies and it only has 2.5 to 2.8% of the US markets. It will certainly be interesting to see what will happen to both diesels and the auto markets.

cosmo · June 2012

Compare side by side and inside and out the current Americanized Jetta TDI sedan with the current Jetta Sportwagen TDI (aka Golf Estate/Golf Variant). The Sportwagen has gas struts for the hood and rear hatch, not a prop and springs. The Sportwagen has an independent rear suspension. The Sportwagen has a padded dash and padded interior door trim. The Sportwagen has 4 more more speakers. The Sportwagen has a standard driver power seat. And do not overlook that the Sportwagen has more front and rear headroom and more cargo capacity. So yes, the Sportwagen is more expensive because it has not been stripped for the American market.

gagrice · June 2012

You have hit the reason for the price difference. The Jetta Sedan is a cheaper Mexican knockoff of the Golf and Sportswagen. In the UK a Golf Estate with a few goodies and DGS sells for the equivalent of $40k US plus. That could explain the shortages of the model here. Why sell to Cheap A** Americans when the rest of the World knows a great car when they see it. We are a niche market to VW. They know where the growth is in China. We are decaying and smart money does not want to invest much here.

fho2008 · June 2012

Agreed mine is an '08 sedan, like I said very similiar.

hotshatz · August 2012

I believe there was a rash of complaints related to failure of the high pressure fuel pump (HPFP). All resolved, as I understand it. I took delivery of my 2013 JSW TDI with manual transmission, Nav and Sunroof this past Thursday. Love it so far, including a run of 100 freeway miles yesterday where the computer said I averaged 56.3 mpg....with less than 250 miles on the odo!

ronsteve · August 2012

Anybody can post big numbers that they saw on their trip computer, and while I might be inclined to take them with a grain of salt, that's a waste of salt. Only numbers I can put any stock in as "real-world" MPG are distance traveled/gallons to refill.

gagrice · August 2012

I don't put much stock in the computer mileage either. I have kept a spreadsheet on every vehicle I have owned since the late 1990s. Then you can see tank mileage and yearly mileage etc. About as accurate as you can get.

ruking1 · August 2012

If this is not against the rules, here is a link to a thread on break in for TDI's.

break in

oli1 · August 2012

I have had my Audi TDI for two years and I travel 52 miles a day for work, and I average 44, and once in a great while, I will reach 46.
OBTW, where do find the best prices for filters, oil, fuel, and cabin?

ruking1 · August 2012

You might look in the vendor section of the "break in" link. There are literally a lot of on line vendors. I can list ones I have had good luck and prices with, but it might be against web site rules. Another might be to go to your VW/AUDI etc dealer and ask for preferred customer rates for parts. There are also dealers that do online business that offer substantial discounts than they probably would at their own parts counter.

gagrice · August 2012

My VW dealer charged less for service with the required TDI Synthetic, than my Toyota dealer with cheapo dino oil.

rrollntdi · August 2012

I have kept a log of my fuel use for a total of 74K miles on my '09 TDI sedan and the computer is actually not so far off the actuals I calculate. My computer shows about 43 mpg over the last 4000 miles. I've seen numbers as high as 56 mpg on a trip to work (22 miles one way). I average about 45.5 (distance driven/gallons used) on the highway at about 70 with the AC on. The computer showed about the same.

rrollntdi · October 2012

I just wanted to thank everyone for their input on my tire decision. We do have ice and snow here in the Detroit area. It also rains a bit here, especially in the Spring and Fall. I ultimately ended up with a set of Michelin Defender XTs. Discount Tire made me a good quote so I decided to replace all 4 tires before Winter set in. Again, thank you for your time and input on my purchasing decision.

schranker · October 2012

I agree. Driving MPG varies by the individual, type of driving, habits, etc. My father has a TDI sportwagen. He gets 42+ routinely. I took it on a road trip out west and with my driving habits, only got up to 39.5. However, with my 01 TDI, I routinely get between 45-50 mpg (90% highway). Needless to say, I am sold on the TDI and could not imagine buying a gasoline model ever again.

schranker · October 2012

I agree. I always fill up to the neck. My record mileage, obtained last summer, was 823 miles and running on fumes in the end.

ggeeoo · October 2012

You want another 11 mpg , buy a. Set of nokian entyres. Next time u need tires .

bpeebles · October 2012

I *already* run Nokian enTires on my TDI and always add cetane-enhancer at every fillup.... perhaps that is why 50+MPG is the norm for me.

cosmo · October 2012

Get serious. 11 MPG? I gained about 5% MPG with the Ecopias. See a comparison at this link.

http://tires.about.com/od/Tire_Reviews/a/Low-Rolling-Resistance-Showdown-Ecopia-- Vs-Entyre.htm

elias · October 2012

thanks for the reality-mpg-check data on that one, cosmo! tires are good for a couple or three TDI mpg , such as switching from summer to winter tires.

one factor in low-rolling-resistance tires is that the possibility that they also provide lower-friction-coefficients while braking - increasing braking distance in emergency stop. there's no fooling mother nature.

Another way to boost mpg more than 11mpg, try drafting a cooperative bigrig, feet off the bumper- you'll really feel the mpg savings and how it pulls your car (or motorcycle). Just as a test, I'm saying. :shades:

longo2 · November 2012

My 06 TDI really has a sensitive engine. On some brands of diesel the car will go into convulsions between 2000 and 2300 rpms when on cruise control.

It happens when the car is going down a slope and the engine is not using fuel but then when the grade goes back up and motor now needs fuel, it does a violent shake rattle and roll for a second or 2 then it's OK until the next same combination of CC, and road conditions.

The only thing I have found that prevents all this drama is changing the fuel brand. I drive about 500 miles a day for 3 days in a row, so each tank is run down to less than 1/4 and then I start looking for a fill up again and hoping for a no-shudder run.

I have tried truck stop fill ups and all the major brands...(Shell was the last one that the TDI had big problems with) Then I will have great luck with some no-name brand from some divey place in the middle of nowhere.
(I have always had great performance from Chevron GAS in my Honda Odyssey, but the Chevron diesel is another story...poor power, bad mpgs and lots of shudders.)

So far I have not met anyone behind the counters selling diesel who has ever even heard of Cetane ratings..(I do ask) much less what their pumps might have.

Seems some forum posters are having these issues with the new models of VW TDI's but so far nobody with a 06 except me, has mentioned it. One uninterested VW service writer said "it probably needs to come into the shop and have the cam shaft and valve followers changed" A story he probably uses to make his service dept another $2000.00 that day.

Not saying the car at 110,000 miles doesn't need the top end looked at, but it will run fine on certain diesel and run like crap after the next fill up from a different location. Covering 2000 miles in 3 days puts me at 4 different stations in 3 different States.

cosmo · November 2012

We have a "06 and a "11, and had a "04, and have not experienced this problem. I always add Opti-Lube at each fill-up to increase the lubricity of the fuel. It is also claimed to increase the cetane rating and clean the injectors. I also try to always run the tank down until the warning light comes on before refilling. On long trips that is not always possible, but that way I know I always have a tank of mostly fresh fuel.

http://opti-lube.com/index.php/xpd-diesel-fuel-improver-product.html

You also may want to check your fuel filter.

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/a5/fuel-filter-VW-Jetta-TDI-2005-2006.htm

coontie66 · November 2012

WOW. I have a diesel truck and this is quite a story. I really have no idea but I wouldn't think of the fuel filter as the problem. You need to change every 15K or so. It's been a long time since I saw a vehicle that w as picky about fuel.

longo2 · November 2012

You're right, it's not the fuel filter, changed it out last year, shuddering still a mystery.

While on a brief trip the other day, I noticed the "battery" warning light had popped on. Thought it might be the serp' belt or alternator so stopped and had a look under the hood.

Somehow the pulley had completely come off the alternator but the belt was still running on the bare shaft! I guess the belt wasn't getting enough grip to spin the alt' enough and the warning light came on.

Local VW dealership had to order a new pulley and it will be here in a week.
The Jetta TDI alt' pulley not a solid pulley, but a clutch design, a rather complicated item..designed to grab and pull under load one way, but will free wheel the other way....

(Also a very pricy item that requires a special set of tools to take off and install...unless it flies off all on it's own like mine did!)

This guy goes through it much better and says..."it's a wear item that should be changed with each serp' belt R&R"...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrFcPqZuO3A

bpeebles · November 2012

The pulley coming off the alternator is VERY COMMON. If you read thru the tdiclub.com website, you will see.

If you think the pulley is expensive.... for a long while, the pulley was NOT A REPLACEABLE ITEM and you had to replace the entire alternator when the pulley failed. In the last several years, the pulley became a separate item.

This happened to my TDI around 140K miles. I replaced pulley AND the the failed tensionor.... good to go for another 140K miles.

The reason for the pulley issues is because on the TDI engine the alternator pulley has a SPRAGUE CLUTCH. This one-way clutch allows the alternator to 'overrun' when the engine is decellerating.

DO NOT put a solidly-installed (non SPRAGUE) pulley on TDI engine.

longo2 · November 2012

"The pulley coming off the alternator is VERY COMMON"

That I didn't know!

From what I have now learned about it from checking this forum and others,
seems it's a "wear item" along with the serp' belt and tensioner that VW doesn't mention.

I now wonder, if for some strange reason...this worn out pulley acting up is the cause of my "shuddering" issues between 2000 and 2400 RPM. If it is causing a sudden alternator load on the engine when starting to pull up a grade on CC, then a different qualities of fuel, might..might, be able to create the shuddering effect.

It's a long shot, but so far the alternator clutch pulley is the only suspect I have.

bpeebles · November 2012

It is EXTREMELY unlikely that an alternator pulley could fail in any way that you would feel it in the way the vehicle drives. I am confident you could cross "alternator pulley" off of your list of possible culprits. (or move it wayyy to the bottom of suspects.)

A for being a "wear item", this is simply a point of view. Eventually ALL machines will wear out. Using this logic... Your entire vehicle is a "wear item" too.

Another example- The Timing Belt has a specific replacement interval in miles. However...at the same time EVERY moving component that touches the TB is susceptible to wear and should be replaced at the same time the TB is replaced. These other components are not specifically mentioned in the TB replacement interval... but if you do not replace them, you are ASKING for failure before the next scheduled TB replacement. (Pullies, tensioner, bearings,waterpump, seals....etc.)

In other words -- the waterpump will NOT last as long as 2 Timing-Belts.... so it makes sense to replace the waterpump when the engine is torn apart to replace the Timing Belt. ( Because the TB needs to be removed to replace the waterpump) Most of the cost of TB replacement is LABOR...not parts. Would you want to pay for the same labor AGAIN before the next TB replacement? (along with the associated inconvenience of unexpected downtime)

rrollntdi · November 2012

I had a check engine light come on last week... :mad: It was a throtle body that needed replacement this time, about $600. I had a pressure sensor go in May ($200) and a door lock mechanism ($400) go about a year ago. I'm considering trading in my '09 Jetta TDI sedan since it only has 77K miles and I've already had to shell out $1,200 in repairs. Not to mention that the 80K mile ($400) DSG fluid change is due soon.

bpeebles · November 2012

I am curious - how can a "throttlebody" go bad? It is simply a ventrui in which a butterfly valve moves.

Fo rthat matter - What kind of "pressure sensor" costs $200?

It sounds to me you need to consider changing your MECHANIC.... not your vehicle.

Oh- I agree with you about the cost of maintaining the DSG xmission... this is one reason I always drive a manual xmission. In over a million miles of driving, I have never EVER had any xmission problems. (all the way back to 1979 VW Scirocco)

It seems silly to pay MORE for a fancy xmission and also have to pay MORE to maintain it.

longo2 · November 2012

Had my DSG fluid and filter changed at 40,000 miles and again at 80,000 the service writer almost hugged me saying hardly anyone ever does it and then can't understand it when a DSG replacement costs over $4,000 and VW gives them the bill.
Last change of fluid/filter cost $270.00 at the dealership, not cheap by any means, but a much better deal than a new DSG.

I think VW originally thought the DSG option could be sold to customers by claiming it was a 'lifetime fluid' set up. Same mistake of a lot of other new cars being sold these days with automatics.

One thing I know for sure, no a/t is "lifetime"...they produce iron filings, brass cuttings, melted plastic, rubber, aluminum shards, and fiberous clutch debris that when all combined is a circulating liquid sandpaper going through the tranny.
Then there is the natural breakdown of the fluid itself....through heat and pressure, it's like a baby, and needs to be changed often and for the same reason.

gagrice · November 2012

Good analysis. I see it as similar to oil changes on the engine. If you change every 10,000 miles as suggested it is about $50 or more. So after 40,000 miles you have spent $200. On my Toyota they recommend changing every 3000 miles. I used Toyota the first time and they charged $53 for dino oil cheap grade. Since then I use MobilOne and it is less than $50 every 5000 miles. Still about $400 every 40,000 miles. Insurance and evidence if something does happen.

elias · November 2012

iirc, the throttle bodies get clogged with carbon on the TDIs - gotta be replaced or have labor-intensive cleaning-process done.

bpeebles · November 2012

It is not the "throttle body" that gets clogged with carbon... it is the INTAKE MANIFOLD (IM). There are places which offer a "swap" wheras they send you a 'cleaned' IM and you send them your clogged one. This greatly reduces the cost/time to correct this situation.

However, A simple change to the EGR settings thru the onboard computer can greatly limit this clogging. Also, with TDI, one *must* use FULL THROTTLE ACCELERATION at least one time per tankful to keep the carbon-buildup cleaned out.

If you think having the IM cleaned out is expensive, try replacing a carbon-clogged turbocharger (over $1500 just for the part!!) It is far cheaper to blow the carbon out of the turbocharger with the throttle-pedal once in a while.

My TDI is over 150,000 miles and no clogging.... This is testament that I am doing something right.

fho2008 · November 2012

I'll have to look at my records but is the DSG fluid/filter change part of the 40K service? I had the 40K done at the dealer, long weekend with relatives but I can look up exactly what was done later on.

longo2 · November 2012

The DSG fluid is expected to be changed every 40,000 miles on my 2006 TDI BRM engine, don't know what you drive but my other vehicle is a 2003 Honda Odyssey, notorious for transmission trouble.

AS a result of all the grief that comes with the Honda's I am paranoid about any transmission that has fluids and filters so on this service with the VW I just, do it. To make things interesting for the DIY'er out there, the VW fluid change is particulaly complicated. The Honda just gets a drain and fill every second motor oil change, takes about 10 min.

The VW fluid change on the other hand is a total PIA.

fho2008 · November 2012

Its a 2008 Jetta gas turbo-DSG.

longo2 · November 2012

It's probably the same fluid change interval for your gasser, but if you can't find
any DSG fluid service mileage mentioned in your book, then by all means just call the nearest VW service and ask them what the interval is.

Then shop around (if you can) and get some price quotes for the service. I did this once on a road trip we were taking and the VW Dealer in Las Vegas wanted $595.00!
I got it done at Southtowne VW in Sandy, Utah, for $270.00 , had a coupon, still, that's about an hours shop time plus the filter and fluid, so I didn't think that was too bad, plus they did a recall fix on the drivers seat wiring while it was in for the a/t change.
Saved me a lot of time, plus they gave me a new VW Jetta Sportswagon to drive for a few hours.

(loved that car, if they would have had a TDI in the new "Wheat Beige" and the light colored interior on the lot, we would have traded our 06' on the spot and driven away in the 12')

fho2008 · November 2012

As I said, with the holiday and family and so on I will check my records, the 20k service isnt much but the 40k they do alot, I got a loaner for the 40k service and picked my car up the next day.

bpeebles · November 2012

That is one reason my VW dealership is a 2-hour drive from my home.... they provide free loner cars .... and even pickup-n-delivery from my driveway if I wanted.

vw2010 · January 2013

My 2009 Sportswagon has 19,000 miles. I purchased it new from the dealer in May 09 with a 3 year service warranty in Illinois. I called the dealership about service in December 09 and the June 2010, and each time they said I did not need service/maintenance as my mileage was so low

Last June I was told I needed to replace the Particulate Filter at a cost of $3500.00 without labor. The "warranty had been expired for three days. They told me the service light had been on for 500 miles, which was not true. After I complained VW paid for the parts not the labor. THey did the work, but again did not service the car. VW service said I should drive my car on the highway to blow out particulates?

In July 2012 I went to Jiffy Lube to have the car serviced as I was going on a trip and VW dealer kept saying my car did not need servicing. The Lube garage placed Pennzoil 5W40 Plat Synth Euro in the car, what they said VW recommended.

Several weeks ago the service light came on again and the engine failed while my son was driving. Again, I am told we need to replace the particulate filter , 3500.00 for the filter and then add labor and replace some other things due to the seal on the fuel injection failing and diesel leaked on a belt which also needs replacing.

When we told VW service the exact oil ( above) that had been used they said yes that was right and the warranty would cover it. THen they made a phone call and came back saying the the density of the oil was wrong and that the warranty would not cover it. Needed to be 5W30 not 40.

Has anyone else had trouble with the PARTICULATE Filters?

I have also had the problem of a very loud fan noise for several years...when I asked the dealership service they have twice said they did not notice anything.

As a lay person, I say VW could do a better job educating new owners on Diesel engines.

longo2 · January 2013

Would you mind posting the name and location of your VW dealership that has been gouging you for repairs?

That way every other owner in your area might give them a WIDE berth!

Kirstie_H · January 2013

He/she can post the dealership name here, but it's more likely to be seen by the intended (local) audience if submitted in our dealership & repair shop reviews section:
http://www.edmunds.com/dealer-reviews/

bpeebles · January 2013

I am soooo glad my 2003 TDI does NOT have particulate filter (or much of the other cr@p they bolt onto the newer TDIs.)

I even get better MPG than the newer TDIs. With only 140,000 miles, it still has many years of life left.

(Esta mated 2003 TDI engine life is 300,000 miles based on the same engine used in ocean-going vessels)

jim1701 · February 2013

First off, you need to get the car away from the dealer.. Go to WWW.TDICLUB.com.. and look for a trusted guru near you. Second ,NEVER, NEVER let Jiffy Lube service your car. These engines require specific VW 507.0 spec oil.. Nothing else. Other oils will cause DPF problems. If you can't change your own, again find a local Guru on the TDI website. .Read. Read. Read this website. There is a lot to learn here, but the cars can be fantastic if maintained and driven properly. One thing stressed here is don't baby this engine.. it likes to work and work hard. Make it do it. I have 60,000 miles on mine with absolutely no issues. Good luck.

VW Jetta TDI

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