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Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TSI 190hp Elegance common faults.

2017–2020, hatchback, petrol, 190 HP.

The fault list covers: CZPB, DKZA engine, DQ381 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

8 fault write-ups. 5 important. 15 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

5 important faults

expensive5

The 7 speed, wet clutch DSG that replaced the DQ250 in the MQB models (0GC / DQ381) is vulnerable from the mechatronics side. Typical faults are a harsh 2 to 3 shift, delayed D/R engagement and limp mode; a fault in the clutch position sensors gives a separate group of codes.

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The wet clutch is more durable than the dry one, but as it wears you get shuddering and slipping when pulling away: the revs flare and the acceleration does not follow.

What to check

  • Standing still on the brake, shift between D and R and watch the engagement time and any jolt
  • Try pulling away on a slope too: shuddering, or revving without pulling, points to clutch wear
  • On the test drive watch the 2 to 3 shift specifically, cold and warm
2 more steps in the write-up

The combined housing of the water pump and the thermostat is plastic, and it is bolted directly to the hot engine block. The many heat and cool cycles warp it, it becomes brittle, and then it develops a hairline crack: the fault is almost always the housing, not the pump itself. The signs are slowly disappearing coolant with no visible puddle, the coolant level light, a sweet smell from the engine bay, and later a pink stain under the car. The repair means replacing the pump and the housing together, and the intake manifold has to come off for it: 4 to 6 hours of work. It shows up on model years 2015 to 2025.

What to check

  • Check the level in the expansion tank, and ask whether it needs topping up
  • With a cold engine, smell the engine bay: a sweet smell means a coolant leak
  • Shine a light under the intake manifold, on the right side of the engine: dried or pinkish deposits
2 more steps in the write-up

The crankcase ventilation (PCV) of the third generation 1.8/2.0 TSI fails less often than its predecessors, but it is not faultless. After sustained full load acceleration, under hard braking, the return branch of the ventilation can be overloaded, and the oil ends up in the intake instead of draining. The symptoms are oil consumption, blue smoke after load, and deposits in the intake.

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This also reinforces the other, already known phenomenon: because of the direct injection, the coke building up on the intake valves grows faster with oil reaching the intake.

What to check

  • After a test drive under load, look at the exhaust: it should not smoke blue under hard braking after sustained acceleration
  • Ask about topping up between two oil changes: adding oil every 1,000 to 1,500 km is not normal
  • Look at the intake connections and the ventilation hose: oily deposits mean oil in the intake
1 more steps in the write-up

With direct injection the fuel does not wash the intake valves: the petrol goes into the cylinder, not behind the valve. The oil mist and soot arriving through the EGR and the crankcase ventilation therefore build up on the valve stem and head, and from 80,000 to 100,000 km they restrict the flow. Symptoms are hesitation, loss of power, a rough cold start and misfire. It is not a part failure: it is a consequence of the design, and therefore it comes back. Cleaning (walnut or dry ice blasting) helps for a few tens of thousands of kilometres.

What to check

  • After a cold start watch the idle: rough running and shaking point to coked valves
  • Under load at low revs watch for hesitation
  • With a code reader look for per cylinder misfire (P0300 to P0304)
1 more steps in the write-up

The brake discs of the Arteon can go wavy as early as around 16,000 km, even though a brake disc typically lasts to 80,000 km. The symptom is vibration through the brake pedal and the steering wheel when braking from higher speed.

What to check

  • Brake from 100 km/h with moderate force: does the pedal or the steering wheel vibrate
  • Repeat it two or three times: it gets stronger when warm
  • Look at the disc surface: a step at the edge, blue discolouration
1 more steps in the write-up

cheap repair3

The crankcase breather carries the vapour that forms inside the engine back to the intake, and a rubber membrane regulates the pressure. Oil and heat harden this membrane until it tears, and from then on the intake draws air through the hole in it. The engine control unit does not measure that air, so the mixture goes wrong: the engine shakes at idle, stumbles when accelerating, and the fault memory gets P2279 for an intake system leak. In the other direction oil starts towards the intake, which leaves an oily film in the intercooler and on the intake pipe and speeds up the carbon build-up on the intake valves. The audible sign is a whistling or hissing noise from the engine bay, loudest at idle. The tear is reported between 60,000 and 90,000 km. On the first and second generation the breather is a separately replaceable valve (factory number 06H 103 495 AK) and costs between 80 and 400 euro; from the third generation it is built into the cam cover, so there the cover is replaced. The maker issued three versions up to 2016, and fitting the pressure variant that does not belong to the engine brings the same symptom back.

between 60,000 and 90,000 km80–400 EUR

What to check

  • At idle listen for a whistling or hissing noise from the engine bay
  • Read the fault memory and look for the P2279 code for an intake system leak
  • Take the air filter housing lid off and see whether there is an oily film on the filter and in the housing
2 more steps in the write-up

The dash shows "Error: Workshop! Only leave vehicle in position P" with an audible warning. The message appears in whatever language the car is set to, for example "Fehler: Werkstatt! Fahrzeug nur in Stellung P verlassen" in German.

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The message points at the gearbox, but the fault is not there. A tiny switch sits in the module under the selector lever and signals that the lever is in park (P). Its contact wears and can also burn. That makes the signal unreliable, and the car warns you. The fault codes appear as 617752, P173400 or B116229.

At first it is intermittent. Sometimes the message comes up, sometimes not, so a short test drive easily misses it. Later it becomes permanent, and the gearbox can drop into limp mode.

This fault looks more expensive than it is. The maker released a separate retrofit switch kit for it (5Q0713128A for the black module, 3Q0713128 for the white one), which can be fitted in half an hour. The kit costs 70 to 100 pounds. At a franchised dealer, however, the whole selector lever module sometimes gets replaced, which costs 626 to 1,000 pounds there. So the difference between the two routes is roughly tenfold.

The affected group is post 2013 MQB platform Volkswagen, Audi, Seat and Skoda cars with a DSG gearbox. The switch is in these gearboxes, because that is what these cars have in common. The part itself is not part of the gearbox but of the module under the lever.

What to check

  • Watch the dash after starting: the message is intermittent and can be missed on a short loop
  • Move the lever from P to D and back several times, then get out and lock the car
  • Ask whether the selector lever switch has been replaced already, and ask for the invoice
2 more steps in the write-up

The per cylinder ignition coil of these direct injection, turbocharged petrol engines fails. According to the Haynes service material this and similar simple electrical faults account for roughly eighty per cent of workshop visits.

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In cold, damp weather, on startup, the engine runs unevenly, misfires under acceleration, and the engine warning light flashes or stays on. Do not keep driving with the light flashing: the unburnt fuel destroys the catalytic converter.

What to check

  • Start with a cold engine and watch the first half minute: a rough idle or shaking is suspect
  • On the test drive load the engine at low revs with a lot of throttle: the misfire shows then
  • A flashing engine warning light calls for stopping immediately
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

Volkswagen Arteon 2.0 TSI 190hp Elegance

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall15 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 8 September 2021

21V695000SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERSSERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:CRITICAL FASTENERS8 September 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Arteon vehicles. The pressure input rod connection on the brake booster may be loose and could detach.

Risk: A detached pressure input rod will cause the brake pedal to fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will tighten the pressure input rod connection, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 28, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47R3.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

21V274000TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMSTIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS21 April 2021 · NHTSA (USA)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2021 Arteon vehicles. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) sensors were incorrectly calibrated and may not detect the position of a wheel sensor after tire rotation. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."

Risk: The TPMS may misidentify a tire with low air pressure, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheel electronics and tire valves, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 44R2.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

20V135000SERVICE BRAKESSERVICE BRAKES6 March 2020 · NHTSA (USA)

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2019 Arteon vehicles. The electronic brake booster pressure input rod may be installed incorrectly, possibly causing an increased actuating force or a disconnected input rod. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."

Risk: An increased actuating force or a disconnected input rod may affect braking, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and correct the mounting of the pressure rod only or replace the electronic brake booster and mounting of the pressure rod, depending of the inspection results, free of charge. The recall began April 3, 2020. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 47P8.

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00188/24Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The thermal protection between the brake force booster and the emissions control device in front of the coupling support with the brake fluid reservoir may not have been correctly fitted. The coupling support could melt, leading to a leak of brake fluid, which could ignite if it comes into contact with hot components. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00565/22Safety recallFire, Injuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The amount of extinguishing sand in the fuse of the high-voltage system is not sufficient in the event of a short circuit to the high-voltage safety system. This may cause it to burst, increasing the risk of injuries. Furthermore, the blown fuse can interrupt electrical flow of current leading to a voltage drop inside the vehicle, increasing the risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00584/22Safety recallBurns, Fireno date · EU Safety Gate

The engine covers installed on affected vehicles could detach from their fixings depending on the conditions of use (e.g. very sporty driving, or poor road surfaces) and their age. A loose engine cover could come into contact with the hot area of the exhaust gas turbocharger, increasing the risk of burns or fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicle.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00701/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The brake pedal pushrod may be defective. As a result, in case of failure of the electromechanical brake booster, the effort necessary to actuate the brake increases significantly, increasing the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/00804/21Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety Gate

The connections of the 12V positive battery cable and of the battery monitoring system cable to the main fuse box may have been swapped round. As a result, the 12V positive battery cable will not be properly fused In the event of a short circuit, e.g. following an accident, and its temperature would exceed the permitted value, leading to increased risk of fire.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01322/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The luggage net may be incorrectly affixed. As a result, luggage could end up in the passenger compartment, causing injury to the occupants.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/01363/21Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The push/actuating rod may not be properly screwed onto the brake booster and could become detached. As a result, there would no longer be any mechanical connection between the foot brake and the brake booster. Consequently, braking will be possible only by actuating the regulated emergency-braking function of the electronic parking brake (EPB) using the EPB switch on the central console.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/0388/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The brake discs on the front axle are too weak. As a consequence, when placed under extreme pressure, the brake disc can crack or even break, affecting braking performance.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1063/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

In the event of a repair, due to an ambiguous indication in the replacement parts catalogue, the adhesive joint between the sunroof cover and the sliding roof may be fitted incorrectly. As a result, the sunroof cover could detach in motion and endanger the following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1785/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The rear wheel-bearing housing may fracture. This can impair the vehicle’s road-holding ability, leading to the risk of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1850/17Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The adhesive bond between the upper and lower parts of the rear spoiler may be incorrect. The upper part of the spoiler could consequently detach whilst the vehicle is in motion, endangering following traffic.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

A12/1954/18Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The fitting for the headrest may have been incorrectly welded to the backrest. As a consequence, the supportive and protective effect of the headrest may be limited in the event of an accident.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

We could not check this: model year. The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

2 engines · 1 transmissions

CZPB · 2.0 TFSI

140 kW (190 HP) · petrol

DQ381 · 7-speed DSG, wet clutch

DSG · 7 speed

Clutchwet
Torque limit420 Nm
MakerVolkswagen

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it. More than one engine code is possible. The fault list shows the faults of each.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
Elegance
Body
hatchback
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
automatic
Engine size
1984 cc
Power
140 kW (190 HP)
Drive
FWD
Production
2017–2020

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years
  • Engine oil and oil filter

    • LongLife30,000 km or 2 years(valid only with LongLife-approved oil)
    • 15,000 km or 1 year
  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)
  • DSG oil change, WET clutch gearbox

    • 60,000 km or 4 years
  • Coolant (antifreeze) change

    • first: 193,000 km or 10 years, then 97,000 km or 5 years(G13 / G12++: first change at 120,000 miles or 10 years, then every 60,000 miles or 5 years)
  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms