Autoblog: VW, Audi recall SUVs for potential engine failure.

wemay

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Autoblog: VW, Audi recall SUVs for potential engine failure.

Volkswagen and Audi have announced recalls of four models to address potentially defective engine components that may be prone to catastrophic failure. The campaign covers the 2022-2023 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models along with the 2021-2023 Audi Q5 and Q5 Sportback. In total, the population is more than 74,000 vehicles. The VW/Audi recall notice calls out connecting rods produced for the base engine (VW's ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder) as the culprit. Rods produced outside of factory specifications can cause unbalanced engine operation, which will likely lead to catastrophic engine failure if not immediately addressed.

"Deviations in the mechanical production process of the connecting rods may have caused an increased particle occurrence in the engine oil circuit, which may lead to extensive wear and play and result in damage to the connecting rod bearings," the defect notice to NHTSA said. "A connecting rod bearing with continuously rising bearing play leads to excessive engine noise. If the excessive engine noise and engine warning light is ignored and the vehicle continues to be driven, this condition may result in engine failure, potentially causing a loss of motive power while driving, and in rare cases a loss of engine oil which may pose a risk of a vehicle fire," it said.

VW and Audi say that any vehicles built after Oct. 6 of this year should be free of this defect, as new processes were put in place to control quality at the suppler who builds the connecting rods for these engines. A test is being developed that can identify failing engines prior to any symptoms, and the permanent fix (as described by the manufacturer) is a complete engine replacement. VW/Audi say that all affected models are currently still under warranty, so no reimbursement program is necessary. Notices to owners should be distributed in December.
 
Every brand has recalls and issues. I'm sure the current EA888 has some significant differences from it's predecessors and VW will get this sorted for the customers.
 
Wonder why it is specific to these models and not other vehicles using the same engine?
I’d say the bad parts came from a certain casting by the supplier and all parts are tracked where they go.
I had a 2003 Sierra Denali that had rear rotors that went bad in less than 25k miles. Something to do with too much release powder in the molds that affected the durability of the finish on the rotors. By the time I noticed it there was only about an inch of shiny surface in a perfect band right in the middle of the area where the brake pads touch. The rest was getting rough and flaky. Called the dealership about this and as soon as I said rear rotors the service manager said stop right there bring it in it’s a known issue and I got new pads and rotors all the way around.
So in VW’s case when a supplier gives you lemons you may be able to make lemonade but not connecting rods lol.
 
The ICE is only about 100 years old technology, yes the last 30 years has seen a HUGE amount of new engineering for better economy and power per litre of displacement, but what is happening here? It's only making the switch to EV seem more urgent.
 
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The ICE is only about 100 years old technology, yes the last 30 years has seen a HUGE amount of new engineering for better economy and power per litre of displacement, but *** is happening here? It's only making the switch to EV seem more urgent.
You think EVs will be immune from this type of issue with suppliers?
 
Per the owners manual for a 2021 VW Atlas 2.0T SEL Premium:

Utilized engine oil

There is a label on the lock carrier that shows which engine oil should be added. Please follow the note and if possible only add the indicated engine oil.

If this is not possible, contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility to find out which engine oil is suitable for your vehicle. Volkswagen recommends contacting an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility.

If the engine oil recommended by the authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized Volkswagen Service Facility is not available, a different engine oil can be used in an emergency. To reduce the risk of damaging the engine, a maximum of 0.5 liters of the following engine oils may be added until the next oil change:

Gasoline engine:
Standard ACEA A3/B4 or API SN (API SM) and viscosity grade SAE 0W-30.

Here's the link:

 
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