VW Beetle Misfiring: Fix Advice from Real Owners

Had almost the exact same issue with my 2012 VW Golf TSI last winter. The rough idle and engine misfiring symptoms matched what you describe perfectly, especially that jerking sensation when pressing the throttle. After seeing multiple warning lights, I took it to a workshop where they diagnosed a faulty fuel injector that was causing inconsistent fuel delivery to one cylinder. They ran tests showing the engine misfiring was definitely tied to injector performance. The poor throttle response and power loss makes total sense given one cylinder wasnt firing properly. The full repair cost me 515€ which covered: Diagnostic testing, Replacing the defective fuel injector, Labor costs, System reset and testing Since the repair, the engine runs smooth again with normal power delivery. No more warning lights or rough running issues. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Current mileage on your Beetle, Whether the check engine light is steady or flashing, If you notice the rough running more at idle or during acceleration, Any engine codes that have been pulled, When you last had a spark plug service This information would help determine if your symptoms point to the same root cause or something different.

Thanks for the detailed reply. My Beetle just had its annual service last month at 70675km. The check engine light stays steady rather than flashing. The engine runs particularly rough during acceleration, though idle isnt great either. I havent had the codes read yet but will get that done tomorrow. The spark plugs were actually changed during that recent service, which makes me think the combustion misfire might be related to something else. The cylinder misfire symptoms only started about a week ago, and the throttle response has gotten noticeably worse since then. Appreciate the cost breakdown of your repair. Will definitely get the fuel injectors checked based on your experience.

Interesting update about your spark plugs being recently changed. After dealing with my Golf's issues, I learned that new spark plugs dont always rule out ignition system problems. In my case, while the fuel injector was the main culprit, the mechanic also found a failing ignition coil that was contributing to the combustion misfire symptoms. The steady check engine light suggests your issue might not be as severe as a completely failed component, but its still worth checking soon. The gradual worsening of symptoms matches what I experienced, it started with subtle jerking and progressed to more noticeable power loss over about 10 days. Given your mileage and symptoms, Id suggest having them check both the fuel injectors and ignition coils. My mechanic mentioned these VW engines commonly develop issues with both components around the 70-80k mark. The diagnostic testing should quickly show if youre dealing with a fuel delivery problem like mine or if its ignition system related. Keep in mind that while my repair cost was 515€, prices can vary based on how many components need replacement. A single ignition coil usually runs cheaper than a fuel injector replacement if that turns out to be your issue. Would definitely want to hear what the diagnostic codes show, that was the key to pinpointing the exact problem in my case.

Thanks for the input. Just got back from having the diagnostic codes read, and it shows misfires in cylinder 2. The mechanic did a quick check and found a faulty ignition coil, just as suggested. They also tested the fuel injectors but those all checked out fine. The total repair estimate is 290€ for replacing the ignition coil and doing a full system diagnostic to rule out any other issues. That's quite a bit less than a fuel injector replacement would have cost, so Im relieved. They can do the work tomorrow morning. Really helpful to hear about the similar symptoms others experienced with their VWs. The rough idle and combustion misfire issues match exactly what Im seeing. Will update once the repair is done to confirm if this fully resolves the engine misfiring and power delivery problems. Thanks again for helping me narrow down the likely causes. Having real examples of similar repairs made it much easier to communicate the issues to my mechanic.