R.I.P. - My engine (2009-2013)

[Antiplastix]

I ve been watching this issue for a while as my vRS seems to be one of those affected. (09 build MY10 model)
As far as I know the cam chain tensioner is hydraulic in its adjustment, with a ratchet to hold the tensioner in place when there is no oil pressure. The failures occur on start up when the ratchet fails and there is no oil pressure to take up the slack on the chain. VAG redesigned the tensioner in the MY11 model.
Surely this is an admission that the previous model was faulty.
I m not sure what the failure rate has to be for a recall but obviously it hasn t reached that level yet. Maybe VAG just planned on ignoring the issue till all the affected vehicles were out of warranty.

[Gaz]

Okay, so it's been a little while but finally I have some good news.

A rep from VW Australia called and confirmed that Skoda/VW will cover 100% of parts and labour, I may have to pay for some consumable items, but everything else will be paid for. What is more, there will be 2 years warranty on the new parts and labour, which is a fantastic result.

Now I must say, Belbowrie Motors in Coffs Harbour have been excellent during this process, I owe the warranty repairs manager a better than average bottle of scotch.

All going well, the car will be back home on Monday, I'm paying them to change 2 tyres, and give it a full detail. Then it's back on the market...unless I change my mind...

[zei20t]

that's fantastic news! couldn't ask for a better outcome.

im glad belbowrie motors is still there. my grandfather gave them lots of money over the years lol

[ChrisSkodaEngineFail]

This is not a happy day...

As I type this, my RS wagon (which is still for sale ) is getting an autopsy done on the engine.

The other day I tried to start the engine and it just turned over without firing. I knew I was low on petrol, but I thought there was enough to get me to the servo. So, assuming it was completely empty, i put about 10 litres in from a jerry can.

Still nothing..

I called the NRMA who put another 10 litres in

Still nothing, the engine turned, but would not start. The mechanic assumed it was a fuel pump failure and we got it towed to the local Skoda dealership.

I called later in the day and the the engine has no compression, on any cylinders, and the probable cause is the timing chain tensioner failing and the chain shipping a few teeth on start up. If this is true then a new engine will be needed.

My factory warranty expired in August '12, but it has always been serviced at Skoda dealerships. So who knows how much this is going to cost.

I'll keep you posted, but for now the RS is off the market...

Hi there. This exact same problem occurred with my 2009 Skoda Octavia. It's been at the service centre for almost four weeks now, and I've just been advised that there is significant damage to the piston and so on. Skoda have advised that if I pay for labour they will pay for parts. Does anyone have any advice about whether this is reasonable? Thanks.

[MGV]

In my case, VW deemed it cheaper to provide me with an entire new engine rather than replace the bent bits. I was off the road for around 6 weeks. The entire job was under warranty, i was about 2 1/2 years into the 3 year warranty period.

I would imagine you may still be up for around $2000 in labour, at a guesstimate...

[wai]

Skoda have advised that if I pay for labour they will pay for parts. Does anyone have any advice about whether this is reasonable? Thanks.

If the vehicle has undergone scheduled servicing since the warranty expired, Skoda should pick up the entire tab. Consumer warranties will not accept that once the manufacturer's warranty has expired that the engine can "fall apart" and the manufacturer accepts no liability.

Undergoing scheduled servicing, a vehicle engine should be able to operate for more than 2 years past its warranty period.

I know that VGA will try and stall. I've gone through something similar where the high level brake light on my Caddy cracked for the second time. The light was inspected by a dealer who agreed it was not as a result of being hit. They submitted it to VGA on August 25, and they have sat on it for close on 6 weeks now. They are hoping that I will go away and buy a replacement myself.

[daft1014]

My cam chain tensioner failed and I got a new engine via Brisbane Prestige in my 2009 FL RS model earlier in the year.

I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket.

Skoda Aus paid for the engine and labour (for installation) but refused to pay for the diagnosis (which was ~$1000). I made it clear from the start that I would be seeking any out of pocket expenses back via QCAT if they didn't come to the party. The dealer came to the party and wrote off part of the diagnosis costs with part being handled via the extended warranty that came with the car (which initially claimed that it would not honor anything to do with cam chain tensioners). Its funny though as Skoda Aus would not pay for the engine under goodwill until they pulled the head off to do a diagnosis - resulting in high diagnosis costs.

Once diagnosed and approved for goodwill replacement it was sorted very quickly as they had a spare base engine in Sydney. If I remember correctly I got the the car back within 2 1/2 weeks - maybe it was three...

Backing what Wai said above, Aus consumer law means products must be of acceptable quality irrespective of any manufacturer warranties. A cam tensioner failing is a case of a product not being fit for purpose.

One thing to note however, due to the cost of the replacement base engine (notionally more than $15K) Skoda Aus needed to get permission from Skoda CZ. In my case the back and forwards added about a week to the approval process - even with a very proactive dealer.

Fun fact - my new engine originally shipped from Gyor Hungary - its listed as an Audi factory...

Anyway hope this resolves itself painlessly for you.