As the media attention hots up around the so called VW VAG emissions “fix”, one aspect that has been greatly overlooked is the danger that failing vehicles pose on our roads.
We’ve been contacted by a number of owners who have had EGR / DPF failures resulting in the vehicles entering “limp mode” during normal driving conditions. This “limp” mode is caused by an error generated by an engine component / sensor which in turn greatly reduces vehicle performance. This is achieved in modern diesel vehicles by reducing fueling and turbo operation.
When travelling at speed, sudden loss of power is not only frightening but it also poses a huge danger to other road users and pedestrians. The loss of power could result in a legitimate maneuver being a downright dangerous one.
Just how common is EGR failure after the fix?
This is been one of the hottest topics on our website of late, in fact while I was typing this article we received the following comment on our post covering that exact topic. The Volkswagen Group is systematically refunding owners for EGR failures after the emissions “fix”
I had my 2011 Golf updated last week, and driving home from work this evening, I lost nearly all power and juddered to 20 mph, with the Glow Plug light flashing and the message: “Error: Stop Start” and “Engine:Workshop!”
EGR failure accounted for 66.9% of the issues reported “post fix” in our VW emissions survey, and has proven to be the single biggest complaint following the fix as seen in our comments. You can read more about EGR failures in the links are the bottom of this article.
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Owners experiences
Lets hear owners experiences of “limp mode”, you’ll soon understand what a frightening ordeal it can be.
This owner got in touch after my request for experiences on The Volkswagen Diesel Customer Forum (Emissions Scandal) facebook group
Hi Karl regarding a close call, has fix done driving home in my car with my 9 year old son lost power on a blind bend going up a pretty steep hill!! I have been in the sun newspaper not sure whether u have seen that some of my details r on that
These other owners reached out with similar experiences
Its only a matter of time
With potentially thousands of vehicles ready to fail at a moment’s notice, it’s only a matter of time until the emissions fix claims it’s first innocent victim/s. With blood on VW’s hands will our inept government take action and should it really take such a horrific and avoidable accident to prompt action?
I point blank to drive or be driven in a car that has been “fixed”
I for one wouldn’t even consider putting myself in that position to the extent that I point blank to drive or be driven in a car that has been “fixed” by VW. In fact I go as far as to give 2006 – 2015 VAG vehicles a bit more distance in front if I’m following them.
What to do if your car goes into “limp mode” while driving
The most important thing to do if your car enters “limp mode” during driving is not to panic. Do not make any sudden changing in direction and certainly don’t jump on the brakes. Put your hazard lights on and try to coast / limp your vehicles to a safe position. If can’t find a hard shoulder or place of refuge take all safety precautions possible and leave the vehicle by the side of the road. Be sure to open your bonnet or boot to indicate that you are in need of assistance. If your car poses a danger to other road users then call the emergency services.
Join the Facebook Group!
If you’re one of the many owners affected by the emissions fix then please do join the The Volkswagen Diesel Customer Forum (Emissions Scandal) Facebook group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/955027937948541 – The group members and the hard working admin team work tirelessly to raise the profile of group to secure justice for those affected.
Lets hear from you
Have you been affected by the VW emissions fix? Did you have a similar experience with “limp mode” which could have ended badly? Please do leave a comment below
Read more!
If you’ve found this article helpful you might also like to read our other dieselgate – VW emissions fix articles
- VW Emissions Fix Survey – The Results are in!
- Can the VW VAG EA 189 NOx emissions fix be reversed? Is a remap the answer?
- Swedish motor magazine Teknikensvarld.se proves Emissions fix has negative effect on MPG and power
- Did Volkswagen mislead owners into believing the emissions fix was mandatory?
- EU Parliament votes to “financially compensate” car buyers affected by VW emissions scandal
- Volkswagen get the green light from US regulators to sell “fixed” diesel vehicles
- Dieselgate: How the emissions “fix” will affect your DPF Diesel Particulate Filter in your VW, Audi, Skoda & Seat
- Deiselgate: VW offers warranty for US Emissions fixes while UK made to suffer three figure repair bills
- Dieselgate: Department for Transport confirms VW “fix” causes twice the level of carcinogenic diesel particulate matter
- Dieselgate: Are dishonest dealerships cashing in on VW emissions “fix” EGR failures?
- Dieselgate: Dealers could be forced into paying 100% compensation to owners of affected vehicles
- Poll: Have you been affected by the Dieselgate & EGR scandal? Would you by VAG again?
- The Volkswagen Group is systematically refunding owners for EGR failures after the emissions “fix”
- Dieselgate: Is the UK Government and Press in bed with VW? Is this a cover up?
- Bavarian Government refuses VW emissions “fix” on 500 police vehicles
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This happened to me on the M1 on Sunday; scary but fortunately I was just approaching an exit and was able to safely come off the motorway. It’s going back to the garage tomorrow – this is now the 4th time my car will have been back in following the “fix” in December. The car had been a dream & troublefree for 6.5 years until this. Absolutely scandalous.
Currently penning a letter to our SEAT dealership who delivered our ‘fix’ (much good may it do me) following a similar experience. Less than week after the fix we experienced engine failure and had to call out breakdown recovery. Fortunately we were on a short journey and didn’t have our daughter with us. Last weekend (less than a month after fix) we were on a longer journey with our toddler in the car and several times experienced complete loss of power when trying to accelerate away from junctions and roundabouts, which I can only compare to when the turbo went on a previous car. This was absolutely frightening as any impact as result of power loss (even though I was trying to leave extra time to pull away) would have resulted in an impact to the rear of the car where my daughter was. I have lost total confidence in driving our SEAT and will only use it for needed journeys now. Our car is well maintained and had only had the MOT and service three weeks before the fix. We are taking the issue to the dealership first as a matter of courtesy before pursuing any other avenues and ultimately just want a safe car. We have only had the car 2 years and purchased it for longevity when starting our family so it would be a big financial blow to have to buy something else after so short a time but you can’t put a price on safety
I’m an Audi A3 1.6 Diesel owner and the engine was one of those affected. 1 week after the update I was traveling along a busy 2 lane motorway in the outside lane going up a hill when the engine lost power. It would not accelerate no matter how hard I pressed the accelerator. I managed to limp across to the hard shoulder while other cars sped past. It had entered some type of limp mode and would not do more than 2k rev’s. The glow plug light on the dash was flashing and the engine was running but really rough. I had to call the AA and was towed home. They said there was an issue with the Injectors in cylinder 3. I took it to a local garage as the nearest Audi dealer is miles away. They replaced the common injector rail but I believe it still runs a little rough compared to before the “fix” by Audi. I did ring the Audi Dealer but they were not much help and wouldn’t accept that the “fix” caused the problem.
My car has never recovered from the fix; reduced MPG, performance issues and noisy engine.
I’ve had the turbocharger replaced and all other associated parts and no change. Not happy as the car has put me in dangerous situations as accelerating off busy junctions and roundabouts, there is no power. This is on the 2.0 tdi 177ps DSG. Know a few others with the same engine and same issues…… coincidental? Hmmmm
Hi
I have recently done my recall for my vw sharan 2013 plate after two weeks the EGR valve gone then I had to change one of the independent garage after that my add blue is finishing every 2500 drive I don’t know what to do I have spent about £1800 could you please tell me how can I solve the problem and how can I claim for my expense.