VW Caddy Flashing CEL Points to Failed NOx Catalyst

Had a similar issue on my 2017 VW Golf TSI. The flashing check engine light combined with visible exhaust fumes typically indicates a serious exhaust leak that needs immediate attention. During my automotive repair visit, the diagnostics revealed a failed catalytic converter and damaged exhaust manifold gasket. The car diagnostics showed similar error codes related to the emissions system. My case required replacing the catalytic converter and fixing the exhaust manifold connection. This was not a minor repair, driving with this issue risks damaging other components of the emissions system and compromises air quality. The visible fumes in your case suggest a significant leak that could be affecting engine performance and emissions control. Given the symptoms and the error codes you mentioned, it sounds remarkably similar to what I experienced. With a relatively new vehicle like your Caddy, this type of issue should be thoroughly investigated as it could potentially be covered under emissions warranty. For proper diagnosis, the entire exhaust system needs inspection, including all connections and mounting points. These issues typically get worse if left unaddressed and can lead to more extensive damage to the emissions control components.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the Golf. My Caddy is now at the shop and they found almost identical issues, failed cat and leaking exhaust manifold. Really helpful to know what to expect. How much did the full repair end up costing you? And have you had any nitrogen oxides emission related problems since getting it fixed? Just want to prepare myself for the bill and make sure these repairs typically last. Also curious whether they suggested any preventive measures to avoid future exhaust system issues. My Caddy is newer but seems to have developed similar problems quite early.

Glad I could help identify the issue. After getting my Golf repaired, all nitrogen oxides related problems completely cleared up. The car diagnostics have shown perfect emissions system readings since then. The NOx storage catalyst aging issue was fully resolved with the repair. My total repair came to 265€ for fixing the exhaust system leak, which seems reasonable given the complexity of accessing and repairing those components. The shop did thorough testing of the catalytic converter and surrounding connections to ensure everything was properly sealed. For preventing future issues, make sure to follow the maintenance schedule and avoid short trips where possible, as these can strain the emissions system. The catalytic converter works best when it reaches proper operating temperature. Regular car diagnostics checks can also catch potential problems early before they cause major damage to the exhaust system. The early failure on your Caddy is unusual. Worth having them document everything thoroughly in case you need to make a warranty claim, since these components should last much longer under normal conditions.

After getting multiple opinions, I finally took my Caddy to a certified workshop this morning. The mechanic confirmed exactly what was discussed, a failing catalytic converter and exhaust manifold leak. The car diagnostics matched the previous error codes perfectly. The full repair took about 4 hours. They replaced the catalytic converter and fixed the leaking exhaust system connections. Total cost came to 290€, which actually seemed fair given the work involved. The fuel efficiency has already improved noticeably on the drive home. The mechanic explained that these issues can sometimes develop early due to frequent short trips that prevent proper heating of the emissions system. He recommended longer drives occasionally to help maintain optimal operating temperature for the nitrogen oxides reduction system. Really grateful for the advice here, it helped me understand the problem and ensure I got a fair deal on the repairs. The check engine light is now off and there are no more exhaust fumes. Hopefully this fixes the issue for good.