VW Amarok DPF Sensor Failure Causes Regen Issues

Had the same symptoms on my 2020 VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI. The exhaust back pressure sensor was failing, causing engine performance issues and DPF problems. The sensor sends incorrect readings to the engine control unit, preventing proper emission control and regeneration cycles. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Removal and replacement of faulty pressure sensor, Clearing fault codes, Testing DPF regeneration cycle, Verifying exhaust system integrity This was a serious issue requiring immediate attention. Driving with a faulty back pressure sensor risks: Permanent DPF damage, Reduced engine performance, Increased fuel consumption, Potential engine damage if left untreated The repair must be done at a shop with proper diagnostic equipment. Important to use OEM parts for the pressure sensor replacement. After fixing, the vehicle needs a forced DPF regeneration cycle to verify proper system operation. Would suggest having this checked soon, as continued driving could lead to more expensive exhaust system repairs.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Dealing with similar pressure sensor problems on my 2021 Amarok right now. Vehicle diagnostics also indicated exhaust system faults and car maintenance bills are piling up. The engine performance symptoms match exactly what you described. Did you remember roughly what the sensor replacement cost? Also curious if you had any emission control issues pop up since the repair was done? Would help me budget for the fix.

Good news on the Tiguan repair front. The exhaust back pressure sensor replacement completely resolved the issues, with no vehicle emissions problems since. The repair bill came to 245€ which included parts and labor. The engine performance returned to normal immediately after fixing the faulty sensor. The vehicle diagnostics showed all clear and the DPF regeneration cycles now work perfectly. It was worth every cent to prevent more serious exhaust system damage. When they tested after the repair, all sensor readings were back to factory specs. The auto repair shop confirmed this is a fairly common issue on these engines, and fixing it early prevents costly DPF replacements later. The most important thing was choosing a shop with proper diagnostic equipment to correctly identify and fix the exhaust sensor problem. Been driving for 6 months now without any warning lights or performance issues.

Thanks for the input. Finally got this sorted after finding a qualified shop with proper diagnostic tools. The exhaust sensor replacement ended up costing 280€ including parts and labor. The mechanic confirmed the back pressure readings were way off and causing the DPF regeneration failures. They installed a new OEM sensor and ran a forced regeneration cycle to verify the exhaust system was working properly. Two weeks since the repair and the engine performance is back to normal. No more warning lights or smoke issues. The emission control system is functioning correctly and fuel economy has improved noticeably. Glad I addressed this before it caused permanent damage to the DPF. The auto repair shop did great work and I would definitely recommend fixing sensor issues early rather than waiting for bigger problems.