Golf 118 TSI Engine Failures and Service Campaign 24S4

**MkVIGTI** · 04-12-2010, 11:56 PM

There was a service campaign on the 118TSI with regards to its ECU and I assume yours wasn't done? It may explain the engine failure as it also happened to another forum member, leading to VW recalling the earlier 118TSIs for a software update to prevent it from happening.

**REXman** · 05-12-2010, 02:45 AM

Originally Posted by Ebo

The dealer sounded baffled and ensured me this is out of the ordinary. But while I was at the service centre, I saw another golf with it's engine being replaced.

PERFECT!!!! LMAO they are the best sometimes aren't they! Sorry to hear about your car though. Best of luck with it.

**Transporter** · 05-12-2010, 06:17 AM

It's good they're replacing them rather then repairing.

**triode12** · 05-12-2010, 08:22 AM

My guess is that in the race to lower fuel consumption in the MKVI, VW have pushed these engines to the extremes of their operating envelope (running too lean), resulting in premature failure. The same engine in the MkV GT and GT sport didn't appear suffer the same failures.

**garyinsydney** · 08-12-2010, 01:36 PM

My sister had to have a new engine in her car due to the recall problem in April/May this year. We both have the 118TSI bought June 2009.
At the time, I asked about my car and was told I would get a recall letter.
I thought the dealer would be busy once other owners received their letter so I booked the car in straight away and got the software update done a couple of days later before i even received the recall letter.
Last Friday I noticed my car seemed to be running a bit rough when I started it. I noticed this because normally when I start the car it is so quiet that I'm never sure it is actually running!
I rang the dealer I bought it from and was told to come in. When i got there I was told that it was a busy day and they may not have time to look at it. Late that afternoon I got a call and was told I could pick it up and then bring it back because they did not have time to look at it. I live too far (2 trains and a bus) to do this. I told them to just fix it and call me.
Late Monday afternoon I rang to check on the progress. The service guy was busy and I was told he would ring back.
I rang again around 0915 morning. Again: "He's busy with customers and will call back."
I rang again at 1350, same thing.

He just rang back and told me: "The car needs a new engine."
Apparently the software update didn't fix the problem or the damage may already have been done.
Considering the low mileage I have on my car (now 10,100km after 18 months; my sister's car is even less) and the fact I was one of the first to get the software update done, VW Australia must now be very nervous.

**ozgti** · 08-12-2010, 02:31 PM

Mine has developed the supercharger squeal 2k kms from the replacement and I have a death rattle that occurs every so often, usually going up hill. First time it scared the crap out of me, it sounded like something was shaking loose off the engine. (I've had this happen to me, so I know what it sounds and feels like) then when going down carpark ramps, I get another rattle while coasting down them... WTF???

Also when you boot it on the highway to overtake, I leave a nice light coloured (I'm partially clourblind) smoke trail. Great for evading the cops, but not suire about the engine though!

**Blitzen** · 08-12-2010, 11:56 PM

I saw a a TSI in the Townsville dealership getting it's engine replaced when I dropped my polo off for a service a few weeks ago... From what the mechanic had told me, it had eaten a ring, and had almost no compression in one of the pots. These engines are almost as bad as the Cummins Signature 600 'Red Hand Grenades'!!