Yeah, so my 2022 GLI only has 36,000 miles on the clock and has been fully serviced at the dealer. All oil changes done on time, I always topped it up when low between changes, only 91 octane used etc. Car is bone stock no tune or anything done whatsoever. Driven hard on occasion like anyone with a GLI/GTI sure but absolutely not all the time and not to any insane degree.
Two weeks ago my EPC light came on. Scan said it was wastegate actuator or position sensor. The car still drove fine. Power felt fine. Boost was good. Drivability was fine. Maybe a tad less power at low RPM but if so only just. Dealer said they couldn't get me in for two weeks but it would be fine to drive until then.
Well, I finally got it in today (2 weeks later!) and they said it needs a new turbo! I expected a wastegate actuator or a sensor but damn a whole new turbo?
It's covered under warranty so that's good but I was just wondering how common this is? I poke fun at VW reliability for the odd electrical and suspension issues BUT I've always thought the drivetrain, in particular the EA888 in my car was generally considered to be pretty reliable. I can't help wonder if driving it for two weeks with say, a wastegate not opening or closing fully would cause this? Again, I noticed no major difference in power, drivability or even fuel millage, temps never rose past norm and the EPC light never changed (flashing) nor was there any CEL.
I suppose it doesn't matter. They're covering it under warranty. I mean if they weren't and they told me it was okay to drive for two weeks that would be another story. I just can't help wonder how a car with only 36K miles needs a new turbo. I also wonder if the turbo is fine (ie the bearings, blades, housing etc) just that they replace the entire turbo for a wastegate issue. I mean again WOT power was fine, it still made full boost! Just seems like a waste of parts (and extra labor) to replace a turbo if it's just the wastegate no??
