VW Arteon Throttle Issues: Power Loss Explained

I had a similar issue with my 2019 VW Passat with the 2.0 TSI engine. The symptoms were nearly identical, with noticeable throttle response delay and the engine eventually going into limp mode. With some experience working on VWs, I initially thought it was the throttle body or air intake system. However, after taking it to my regular workshop, diagnostic testing revealed a faulty accelerator pedal module. The electronics inside had degraded, causing inconsistent throttle response. The total repair cost was 265€, which included diagnostics and the replacement part. The fix resolved all symptoms, and the check engine light hasn't returned since. Before you proceed with repairs, it would be helpful to know: Which engine variant does your Arteon have? Are there any other warning lights besides the check engine light? Does the throttle response issue occur more frequently when the engine is cold or warm? Have you noticed any changes in fuel consumption? These details would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something else in the throttle control system. Would also recommend getting the specific error codes read, as this can pinpoint whether its the pedal module, throttle body, or potentially something else in the system.

Just had my 47000km service done last month, so the car is well maintained. After reading your response, I double-checked and noticed the throttle response delay is actually worse when the engine is cold. Fuel consumption has increased by about 2L/100km over the past few weeks. My variant is the 2.0 TSI. Only the check engine light is illuminated, no other warning indicators. Engine idling is also slightly rougher than normal, which wasnt mentioned in my initial post. I appreciate the detailed information about the pedal module, its helpful to know this could be an alternative to a throttle body issue. Will definitely get those error codes read before proceeding with any repairs. Has anyone else experienced rough idling along with the throttle sensor issues? This additional symptom makes me wonder if its more than just the pedal module in my case.

The rough engine idling along with increased fuel consumption definitely adds another layer to the diagnosis. In my case with the Passat, I initially had similar symptoms, but they evolved differently. After the pedal module replacement, everything seemed fine for about 2 months. Then I started experiencing rough engine idling, especially during cold starts. The throttle response delay returned, but mainly when the engine was cold. A second diagnosis revealed a partially clogged air intake system, with carbon buildup affecting proper air flow. The complete fix required: Cleaning the air intake system: 180€, New air filter: 45€, Throttle body cleaning service: 120€ Total came to 345€, but the fuel efficiency improved significantly after the service. Engine idling smoothed out completely, and the throttle response returned to normal. Based on your symptoms matching my experience, especially the cold-start issues and rough idling, you might want to have both the pedal module and air intake system checked. The carbon buildup issue is fairly common on these TSI engines around the 45000-50000km mark. Getting those error codes read would confirm if your situation mirrors what happened with my Passat. The combination of symptoms suggests it could be more than just a single component causing the issue.

Thanks for sharing that information about carbon buildup being common around my mileage. I checked with a local OBDII reader and got error code P2101 which points to the throttle control system. Given the multiple symptoms, rough engine idling, increased fuel consumption, and cold start issues, I think I will need that complete system check you mentioned. The 345€ total repair cost seems reasonable if it addresses all these issues. What concerns me is that the throttle sensor problems could be masking other air flow issues. The carbon buildup explanation makes sense since my car is right in that problematic 45000-50000km range you mentioned. Plus the fact that its worse during cold starts really matches your experience. Has anyone else dealt with limp mode activating during this type of progressive failure? So far my car is still running, just with reduced power, but Im worried about it potentially going into limp mode while driving. Will schedule that complete system check soon. Would rather address both the throttle body and air intake issues now than have them cause bigger problems later.