VW Arteon's Smoking Engine Signals EGR Valve Crisis

Having gone through something very similar with my 2017 VW Passat, I can share my experience with EGR valve issues. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I encountered, rough running, power loss, increased fuel consumption, and the check engine light illumination. My mechanic conducted a thorough diagnostic process, starting with checking the vehicle emissions system. The scan revealed high exhaust gas recirculation values, pointing to a malfunctioning EGR valve. The valve was found to be stuck partially open due to carbon buildup. The complete fix, including diagnostics, parts, and labor, cost me 355€. The repair took about 4 hours, as they had to clean the surrounding components and verify proper EGR operation after replacement. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Engine size and type, Current mileage, How long these symptoms have been occurring, Any recent maintenance work performed, Any diagnostic codes retrieved The Arteon and Passat share many components, including similar emissions control systems. Regular maintenance can help prevent EGR issues, but when they occur, addressing them promptly is crucial to prevent additional engine damage.

Last service was done at 85000km and the current symptoms started shortly after. The diagnostic codes showed P0401 and P0402, which my independent mechanic pulled during a quick check. Hes asking for 580€ for the complete EGR valve replacement including labor. The timing seems concerning since the exhaust gas recirculation system was actually cleaned during that service. Makes me wonder if something went wrong during the cleaning process. The automotive repair quote seems a bit steep compared to what others paid for similar issues. Would running a second emissions test at a different shop be worth it before proceeding with the repair? The check engine light is really worrying me and I want to make sure we fix the actual problem.

Thanks for providing those details. The diagnostic codes P0401 and P0402 definitely confirm EGR system issues, either insufficient or excessive flow. Having experienced this myself, the timing after the service is suspicious. When my Passat had its EGR valve cleaned during service, we faced similar issues about 2 weeks later. The catalytic converter can also be affected when the EGR system isnt functioning properly, so getting a second opinion is smart before proceeding. The quote of 580€ is indeed on the higher side, my complete EGR valve replacement was 355€ including labor and parts. The rough idle and smoke symptoms improved immediately after my repair, and fuel consumption returned to normal within about 2 tanks. If you decide to get it checked elsewhere, make sure they inspect the entire exhaust gas recirculation system, not just the valve itself. In my case, there was additional carbon buildup in connected components that needed addressing. Consider requesting a detailed breakdown of the 580€ quote. Based on my repair experience, parts should be around 200-250€, with labor making up the rest. If the price includes a full system cleaning and new gaskets, it might be more justified.

Thanks to everyone who responded. After getting a second opinion as suggested, I feel more confident about proceeding with the repair. The new shop did a complete vacuum leak test along with the emissions check, confirming the EGR valve failure but also finding some related issues in the exhaust gas recirculation system. Their quote came in at 495€ total, which includes replacing the EGR valve, cleaning the entire system, and replacing all gaskets. While still not cheap, the thorough diagnostic process and detailed explanation of the work needed makes me more comfortable with the investment. They also mentioned checking the catalytic converter condition as part of the service, since the faulty EGR could have impacted it. The check engine light and poor performance really had me worried, but hearing others had similar experiences and successful repairs is reassuring. Will schedule the work for next week and update once its done. Hope this thread helps others who might face similar issues with their EGR systems.