2011 VW Passat Estate/Coupe Diesel - Shuddering at Speed

[mrgeeza]

Hi There!

I start by saying, I am in no way an expert when it comes to motoring, however, I'm looking for advice and I'm happy to perform simple mechanical jobs.

Now that's out the way, my other admission, I bought my 2011 VW Passat Estate/Coupe Diesel from Evans Halshaw and I can happily say, it has been one of the worst experiences of my life.

The problem...

My car, when cruising anywhere between 50-70mph, shudders, there are no warning lights and it doesn't seem to struggle pulling away, but when maintaining speed more noticeably on Dual Carriageways and Motorways, it can become quite an uncomfortable ride. As soon as I give it more gas, it stops, take my foot off and return to coasting, it does it again.

I've experienced this in 4th, 5th and 6th gear.

Feel free to ask me any questions and I will do everything I can to give you the answer. I asked Halshaw for their help and they said.... 'How are we supposed to replicate a fault a high speed?'. I WASH MY HANDS OF THEM!

Hope you can help me!

Thanks

Toby

[GreenV8S]

Is it either a recent purchase, or still covered by warranty?

If they're still liable, their response might have been calculated specifically to discourage you from pursuing them for a fix.

[mrgeeza]

It’s got about 15 days of the 3 months left. They advised a £50 inspection fee I was just worried about forking our more cash to them only for them to turn around and say they can’t replicate.

[GreenV8S]

That sounds very strange to me. Does the warranty say that you're liable for an inspection fee in the event of a claim?

The way you describe the problem suggests that it is completely reproducible, so as long as you describe it accurately I don't see why they should have any difficulty reproducing it, and you could demonstrate the problem if they have any difficulty.

If you haven't already raised the issue in writing, I suggest you do that. Remember that all they want is for you to go away without causing them any work or expense, and so far you seem to be letting them get away with that.

[E-bmw]

You REALLY need to take it to them NOW & be insistent without being abusive & let them know in no uncertain terms that this is a fault that needs to be fixed now!

[mrgeeza]

Right ok. They wouldn’t see the car as I had go over the warranty window when they could fit it in and also over the 3000miles window. On further investigation and some advice from mates, it appears the issue has been the Air Mass Sensor. I drove a couple of days to work with it unplugged and the issue all but stopped. The cars ride seemed so much smoother in general, let a lone at speed. This leaves me with a question.

I have the part number for the sensor...


I’ve found one at a good price brand new but it’s Facet not Bosch, is there much in the quality?

[Oscar011]

What’s the difference in price? I’m sure the cheaper option will still have a decent warranty. If it’s not a huge difference get the Bosch.

[GreenV8S]

mrgeeza said:

They wouldn’t see the car as I had go over the warranty window when they could fit it in and also over the 3000miles window

Were you within the warranty terms when you reported the problem to them?

[mrgeeza]

They got me on Mileage

[mrgeeza]

Bit of an update on this one. I ordered a fitted a new MAF sensor and the issue still remains. Seems odd that once the sensor is disconnected the car runs great and stops shuddering when maintaining speed. As soon as both the old and the new sensor reattached the issue returns. What would be the next thing to try? Thankfully the company took the part back and refunded.