2002 Passat Oil Pressure Problem

Hi. I have an '02 Passat 1.8T that has 69K miles. I've had routine dealer maintenance done every 5K up to the first 40K, and every 10K from 45K to 70K. A couple of days ago, a "Stop" and "Oil Pressure" light came on. I stopped and checked the oil. The fluid level was normal. I took it to the dealer for service and wheel alignment, which they did as well as replacing a torn right outer CV boot. The mech test drove it very briefly and reported "no oil warning light", however recommended a more thorough test drive. OK, next day they test drove it more and the oil pressure fault light came back on. They checked the oil again and found it "very dirty and thick. Engine is also noisy."

Bottom line, the dealer recommends a teardown inspection with a best case scenario of $1,200 (incl teardown), and five days in the shop, if the problem is an oil pump and worst case of $8,000, and who knows how long, if there are engine problems. The dealer blames the problem on my recent (3) 10K service intervals.

Any thoughts would be HIGHLY appreciated. Is it reasonable for an engine on a fairly new car to be damaged like this? Thanks in advance.

Hi,

I have a 2001.5 passat. just received notice from VW that they have issues with sludge and the light comes on. They are extending warranties on these issues.

Thank you very much for that information! I believe that the 2001.5 and 2002 are the same model. The dealer has been insistent that the best option for me is to trade in the car now and take a big loss. I haven't received the notice from VW, when did you get it?

I am having the exact same problem with my 2003 Passat regarding the oil pressure light, engine sludge and warranty coverage, despite routine oil changes. vbnut, i would GREATLY appreciate any information you could provide regarding the notice you received from VW and the the warranty extension. Thank you in advance.

my light came on the day i received the factory notification of the sludge problem. the dealer and VW let me know that i would not be covered because i changed my oil myself and could not produce proper documentation.

i think its rather odd that so many people are experiencing problems. i have heard people say they never changed oil during an entire lease of other brands and not have problems. my guess is the turbo produces more heat and thats causing problems. did anyone notice that you have to run synthetic oil now to have additional warranty coverage. so much for the 10 yr. 100000 mi. coverage.

i just trailered mine home today and am trying to figure next step. any thots

My 2001.5 passat has 34000 miles. I just received the info about the "sludge problem" the other day. As luck would have it I was traveling out of state and the oil pressure light came on, I pulled over and called my dealer in CT who gave me the phone number to the nearest dealer in NH. I had the car towed there, after further inspection the service dept stated it was the oil pump. Needless to say I had to rent a vehicle for the remainder of the trip, and I need to make an extra trip to pick up my VW when it is ready. I will try to get my additional expenses reimbursed from VW.