Hey, I had a similar problem with my VW Golf 2013 diesel. I'm not a master mechanic, but it really sounds like the rubber hose from the DPF to the sensor. In my car it was clogged and leaking and the same symptoms as in your Passat had occurred. I then spent 102 euros at my garage and got it working again. Maybe it's the same fault with you. Have you read out the OBD? It might also be interesting to know what your driving habits are like, when the last service was, etc. In any case, I would recommend that you go to a garage as soon as possible. Hope this helps you!

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Hi, thanks for your quick feedback. I was actually leaning towards the rubber hose because I read somewhere that it can be a problem with higher mileage. After all, my Passat already has 275,000 km on the clock. I haven't read out the OBD yet, but I should probably do that sometime. About my driving style: I tend to drive long distances on the highway and not so much in the city. I had the last service about 9 months ago. I'll take your advice and take it to the garage as soon as possible. Hopefully it's just the rubber hose and not something worse. Thanks again for your help!

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Hey, I can understand your stress - I once had the same problem with my A3 2012 diesel. And yes, it was the nasty exhaust back pressure sensor in the diesel particulate filter. I had all those symptoms back then too - check engine light, loss of power, rough engine, and poor fuel efficiency. The sensor in my car was not only defective, it was also full of soot. The workshop replaced the sensor and also carried out a manual regeneration of the DPF to remove the excess soot. And then it ran like clockwork again! I paid around 185 euros for all the fun. Make sure you have it looked at before it's too late and the DPF breaks down completely. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it's just the back pressure sensor. All the best!

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Hey, thanks for your reply. It's reassuring to hear that it could just be a replaceable sensor causing the issue and not necessarily something more costly. The soot could actually be playing a role, as the car runs mostly in the city. Maybe I should consider a manual regeneration of the DPF after all. I'm sure my old Passat would benefit from that. Your costs for the repair also sound quite reasonable. I will now make an appointment at the garage and hope that it is just the back pressure sensor. Many thanks for the good help and encouragement!

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...what should I make of this? First he writes about predominantly highway driving and then in the next post about the opposite, city traffic/short distances? Are bots writing here?

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