KNOWN FAULTS · Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf IV (1J) 1.9 TDI / SDI common problems.

2000–2004 · Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

PD TDI camshaft, injectors and cylinder headInjection / cylinder head

Engine / equipment: 1.2, 1.4, 1.9 and 2.0 TDI unit-injector (PD) engines, including the VW-sourced 2.0 CRD in Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep
Period mentioned: 2000–2010
Symptoms: Growing noise from the cylinder head, power loss and rough running (cams and lifters); unstable idle, smoke or hesitation (injectors); on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, coolant loss with no visible leak from a cracked head.
Possible cause described: The camshaft also drives the unit injectors and carries a heavy load: without VW 505.01 oil the lobes and lifters wear. 2.0 TDI PD injectors fail frequently. Some 16-valve 2.0 TDI heads (part number ending in A) crack; VW considered it fixed by the end of 2006.
Check for the garage: Check the oil history (VW 505.01), listen to the head, check injector balance rates with a diagnostic tool and, on the 16-valve 2.0 TDI, read the head part number (03G 103 351) and look for coolant loss.
Cost cited in the source: Camshaft and lifters: approx. €400–800; 2.0 TDI PD injectors: €900–2,000A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Mileage cited in the database: 120,000–200,000 km. This is not a maintenance interval and does not predict a failure.

Applies if: Weak points of this model from inspections, breakdown statistics and recalls; anything specific to one engine is stated in the sheet.

Crankcase breather, 02K gearbox, 1.8 T coils and windows on the Golf IVKnown weak points

Engine / equipment: VW Golf IV (petrol and diesel), also Bora and Seat León I
Period mentioned: 1997–2006
Symptoms: On the 1.4 up to 2002, a crankcase breather that freezes and high oil consumption; oil consumption on the 2.0; possible gearbox failure on the 1.4, 1.6 and 1.9 SDI up to July 2001; 1.8 T coils (2001–2003); windows that will not go up or drop, and door microswitches.
Possible cause described: A rivet that was too weak could break and damage the 02K gearbox (1.4 and 1.6 petrol and 1.9 SDI up to July 2001). Indicative costs from the guide: coils and leads €100–200, gearbox €800–1,400, window carrier €120–220 per side. Recalls for the airbag gas generators (1997–1999 and 2001–2002).
Check for the garage: Check gearbox noises and oil consumption; check windows and airbag campaigns by VIN.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.