Atlas MAF Sensor Issues Causing Stalls and Heavy Smoke

Had the same symptoms with a 2017 VW Tiguan 2.0TSI last winter. The poor air-fuel ratio caused excessive fuel consumption and rough idling. The engine stalling was particularly noticeable at traffic stops. After scanning, it confirmed the MAF sensor failure. The repair involved removing and cleaning the sensor first, but this provided only temporary relief. Eventually required a complete MAF sensor replacement since the internal components were permanently damaged. The process took about 2 hours total. While the MAF sensor replacement itself is straightforward, the surrounding air filter housing needed careful handling to prevent damage. The new sensor required proper initialization with diagnostic equipment to ensure correct air-fuel mixture readings. This was a serious issue because running with a faulty MAF sensor can damage other components like catalytic converters due to incorrect fuel mixture. Also checked the air filter during repair, it was partially clogged, which likely contributed to the sensor failure. Post-repair, fuel economy returned to normal and the engine ran smoothly again. Key lesson: regular air filter maintenance helps prevent MAF sensor issues.

Dealt with that exact problem on my VW Atlas last summer. When the check engine light came on, I also noticed performance decline and poor fuel economy. My mechanic found the same MAF sensor issue. The symptoms match perfectly, especially the stalling and smoke. Getting it fixed resolved all issues and the air-fuel ratio went back to normal. The air intake system is working perfectly since then. Would you mind sharing what the total repair cost was for you? Also curious if you checked the air filter condition when they did the work? No other problems since the fix?

Just had the repair done last month. The mass air flow sensor replacement fixed all the performance issues completely. Total cost was 365€ including parts and labor. The air filter was actually quite dirty when they checked, so I had that replaced too since it was already accessible. The engine stalling and smoke problems disappeared right after the repair. The check engine light turned off and fuel consumption returned to normal levels, definitely worth the investment to prevent further damage to other components. No issues at all since the fix. The air-fuel ratio is now perfect and the engine runs smoothly even at idle. Really glad I got it sorted before it could affect the catalytic converter or cause other expensive problems. My recommendation would be to keep a close eye on air filter maintenance going forward. A clean filter helps protect the new MAF sensor and maintains proper engine performance.

Thanks for confirming those symptoms. Finally got my Atlas fixed last week. Took it to my regular shop after dealing with the stalling and smoke issues for a couple weeks. The mechanic immediately spotted the mass air flow sensor problem during diagnostics. The repair took about 3 hours since they did a thorough check of the entire air intake system. Found the air filter was pretty clogged too, so had that changed while they were in there. Total cost came to 410€ for everything including the new MAF sensor, filter, and labor. Since the fix, the check engine light is gone and fuel economy is back to normal. No more engine stalling or smoke issues either. The shop suggested checking the air filter every 15000km to prevent similar sensor failure in the future. Just glad to have it running properly again. Definitely learned my lesson about regular maintenance preventing bigger problems down the road.