Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

**ExplosivePeacock** · 11-10-2017, 11:53 AM

Originally Posted by blower

9 times out of 10 the 'rattle' is misdiagnosed as a loose timing chain or failing chain tensioner.

On this engine it is almost never the chain or tensioner that makes this noise - the noise on startup is the camshaft adjuster sticking, which admittedly sounds like a rattling timing chain to in the untrained ear.

The problem effects engines from 2009 to mid 2010. After that the camshaft adjuster was revised to stop this problem.
Some people who have had the timing chain replaced, also had the adjuster replaced at the same time and this inadvertently resolved the problem.

Only a poor dealership would not replace the adjuster at the same time.
Since 2015 there are 2 official VW universal timing chain kits for all 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6 FSI/TSI engines, which come with a new camshaft adjuster - this kit is cheaper than buying the chain, tensioner and parts separately. This kit should be used for any timing chain job, as its cheaper and you get all new sprockets, guides, tensioner, chain and camshaft adjuster (latest version).

Check out a post I made here (froudeg) to diagnose what sound is what: Scirocco Central • View topic - Sounds like a tractor on start up?

Hmmm the camshaft adjuster could be the problem, I am pretty sure it was not replaced with the timing chain and tensioner

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**pirelli** · 30-10-2017, 05:12 PM

Just picked up my 118TSI from being repaired due to piston failure, 59k on clock
100% of costs covered as a goodwill gesture
thanks VW Australia

**ope126** · 30-10-2017, 08:38 PM

Great to hear mate!!!

**BurnedbyVW** · 31-10-2017, 10:18 PM

I bought a used 2010 TSI118 1.4 Golf with 100,000km, full VW service history for $9000 last December.

I had a engine rattling incident within a few weeks of driving and the car had never ran really well. I had put that down to reviews saying the car will be uneasy in city driving.

I took the car for a service a few weeks ago and it turns out the engine has blown, cylinder 3 is cracked. I tried for a goodwill fix but after stripping the engine down they found evidence of a previous replaced head gasket and will not provide any goodwill. I've raised with VW customer service and management there are "firm" and "adamant" that no support will be given to me.

I contacted the previous owner who has been responsive and genuinely concerned. They only ever had the car worked on by an authorised repairer and I contacted the repairer to hear a list of minor things done to the car including sump gasket but no replaced head gasket. I've since found out that the authorised repairer doesn't mean anything in terms of VW accepting the cars history.

I am left with the decision to repair the vehicle at a cost of $7400, $660 of which is already due for stripping the engine or scrapping the vehicle and starting again.

I've been really surprised by how common this issue appears to be, how uncaring VW have been and the poor quality of a car produced by a brand I held in high regard.

I'd be really interested in opinions on whether to repair/scrap/other. Of course my main concern with repair is throwing good money after bad.

**brad** · 01-11-2017, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by BurnedbyVW

I'd be really interested in opinions on whether to repair/scrap/other. Of course my main concern with repair is throwing good money after bad.

Your next line of enquiry should be to the ACCC regarding your statutory warranty rights.

**Kaliani** · 01-11-2017, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by BurnedbyVW

I bought a used 2010 TSI118 1.4 Golf with 100,000km, full VW service history for $9000 last December.

I had a engine rattling incident within a few weeks of driving and the car had never ran really well. I had put that down to reviews saying the car will be uneasy in city driving.

I took the car for a service a few weeks ago and it turns out the engine has blown, cylinder 3 is cracked. I tried for a goodwill fix but after stripping the engine down they found evidence of a previous replaced head gasket and will not provide any goodwill. I've raised with VW customer service and management there are "firm" and "adamant" that no support will be given to me.

I contacted the previous owner who has been responsive and genuinely concerned. They only ever had the car worked on by an authorised repairer and I contacted the repairer to hear a list of minor things done to the car including sump gasket but no replaced head gasket. I've since found out that the authorised repairer doesn't mean anything in terms of VW accepting the cars history.

I am left with the decision to repair the vehicle at a cost of $7400, $660 of which is already due for stripping the engine or scrapping the vehicle and starting again.

I've been really surprised by how common this issue appears to be, how uncaring VW have been and the poor quality of a car produced by a brand I held in high regard.

I'd be really interested in opinions on whether to repair/scrap/other. Of course my main concern with repair is throwing good money after bad.

Sorry to hear you are going through this. I wouldn't let it rest just yet - especially as you have been so diligent in establishing the car's repair history. From my research in this thread (having had the same problem and won the warranty claim) - a number of people have had to write many letters and emails and harrass with with phone calls, as well as doing a little bit of social media shaming. As 'BRAD' suggests, you should also speak with ACCC.

Please see my post earlier in this thread with a run down of cases that have successfully been pursued.

**BurnedbyVW** · 01-11-2017, 03:23 PM

Originally Posted by Kaliani

Sorry to hear you are going through this. I wouldn't let it rest just yet - especially as you have been so diligent in establishing the car's repair history. From my research in this thread (having had the same problem and won the warranty claim) - a number of people have had to write many letters and emails and harrass with with phone calls, as well as doing a little bit of social media shaming. As 'BRAD' suggests, you should also speak with ACCC.

Please see my post earlier in this thread with a run down of cases that have successfully been pursued.

I emailed VW to ask for their details as I wanted to raise a ACCC claim, they thanked me for my email and provided them.

I've just got off the phone from the office of fair trading, as I purchased the car privately they said I have no rights and buyer beware stands. I was certain I had read that there were statutory rights I had against the manufacturer regardless of a private purchase, but unless there's any suggestions I think I'm at the end of the line and will have to pay for the repair.

**brad** · 01-11-2017, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by BurnedbyVW

I emailed VW to ask for their details as I wanted to raise a ACCC claim, they thanked me for my email and provided them.

I've just got off the phone from the office of fair trading, as I purchased the car privately they said I have no rights and buyer beware stands. I was certain I had read that there were statutory rights I had against the manufacturer regardless of a private purchase, but unless there's any suggestions I think I'm at the end of the line and will have to pay for the repair.

Fair Trading is state based isn't it? ACCC is different.

Consumer guarantees | ACCC

Basically, you'd expect a "quality" manufacturer like VW to produce an engine that would last at least 200,000km if serviced IAW the manufacturers recommendations. To have it crack a piston at 100k km isn't normal for an engine these days. In addition, it appears to be an issue for that engine type, therefore it should be repaired at the manufacturers cost.

**BurnedbyVW** · 01-11-2017, 04:27 PM

Originally Posted by brad

Fair Trading is state based isn't it? ACCC is different.

Consumer guarantees | ACCC

Basically, you'd expect a "quality" manufacturer like VW to produce an engine that would last at least 200,000km if serviced IAW the manufacturers recommendations. To have it crack a piston at 100k km isn't normal for an engine these days. In addition, it appears to be an issue for that engine type, therefore it should be repaired at the manufacturers cost.

The office of fair trading lady I spoke to said they handle the ACCC claims as well and said no chance. Here's the section I think she was referring to, bullet 2: (happy to hear if this is BS)

Rights to a repair, replacement, refund, cancellation or compensation do not apply to items:

- worth more than $40 000 purely for business use, such as machinery or farming equipment
you plan to on-sell or change so that you can re-supply as a business
- bought as a one-off from a private seller, for example at a garage sale or fete (but you do have rights to full title, undisturbed possession and no unknown debts or extra charges)
- bought at auction where the auctioneer acted as an agent for the owner (but you do have rights to full title, undisturbed possession and no unknown debts or extra charges).

**Golfception** · 01-11-2017, 07:43 AM

Hi.
I am considering buying my sister in laws 118TSI 2009 Golf from her as she is looking to upgrade it.
It had the gearbox shudder fixed and shim packs added back in 2013 and since then it has been trouble free other than scheduled services.
She will be offering it to me for trade in price once she decides what she wants to buy in the next month or two. So it will be a cheap purchase.

I'm also just wondering how "common" is this issue when you still see 100's of Mk6 golf on the road everyday. If you know what I mean.