VW Beetle Engine Timing Issues Impact Performance

I had a very similar issue with my 2016 VW Golf GTI. Having some experience with basic maintenance and repairs, I initially thought it might be timing chain related when the engine light came on and performance dropped. The symptoms matched exactly what you describe, sluggish acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and that distinctive drop in power. After the warning light appeared, I took it to a trusted workshop where they diagnosed a faulty crankshaft sensor. The sensor was no longer providing accurate position data, causing timing issues between the crankshaft and camshaft. The total repair cost was 340€, including parts and labor. The fix took about 2 hours since they needed to access some tight spots in the engine bay. Since the repair, the engine performance returned to normal and the fuel consumption dropped back to reference values. Before suggesting more specific advice, could you share: Has the engine light remained steady or is it flashing? Did you get specific error codes from the scan? Are there any unusual sounds from the engine? What is your current mileage? This information would help determine if your issue is indeed similar to what I experienced or if it might be related to the timing chain or other components.

Thanks for the questions. Last service was done 2 months ago at 30000km. The check engine light stays steady, not flashing. The scan showed P0016 code related to camshaft position correlation. No unusual sounds from the engine besides feeling less powerful. The misfire seems most noticeable during acceleration. Since the timing belt maintenance is not due yet based on mileage, I suspect the cam sensor might be the culprit, similar to your crankshaft sensor issue. If the repair cost is around 340€ that would be manageable. Just hoping to avoid any major timing belt or camshaft related repairs at this point.

Based on the P0016 code and your symptoms, I can confirm your situation sounds nearly identical to what I experienced. The OBD code specifically points to a crankshaft to camshaft timing correlation issue, which in my Golf GTI case was indeed caused by a failing sensor rather than actual mechanical timing problems. The steady check engine light and lack of mechanical noise is actually good news, as a timing chain or timing belt failure typically produces distinct rattling sounds and would likely trigger a flashing CEL due to severe misfire conditions. Since your service history is current and mileage is relatively low, major timing system wear is unlikely. The engine synchronization issues are most likely electronic, not mechanical. In my case, replacing the crankshaft position sensor resolved all symptoms, restored proper power delivery, normalized fuel consumption, and cleared the engine warning light. Before my repair, I also worried about potential timing chain issues, but the diagnostic revealed the sensor was no longer accurately reading the timing marks on the crankshaft, causing the ECU to receive incorrect engine timing data. I suggest having the camshaft position sensor checked first since your code specifically points to cam timing correlation. The repair process and cost should be similar to what I experienced with the crank sensor replacement.

Thanks everyone for your input. Given all the feedback and similarities to your case, I feel more confident it is likely a sensor issue rather than a major timing chain problem. The steady check engine light and P0016 code pointing to camshaft position correlation matches the symptoms you described. Will schedule an appointment to have the camshaft position sensor checked first, since the misfire and performance issues seem very similar to what you experienced with your sensor failure. The lack of mechanical noise is reassuring that it is probably not a more serious timing system problem. The quoted repair cost around 340€ fits my budget, especially compared to what a timing chain repair would cost. Really appreciate the detailed explanation about how the faulty sensor affects the crankshaft to camshaft timing signals. Will update once I get it diagnosed and repaired.