VW Jetta DPF Failure: Pressure Sensor Warning Signs

I had a very similar issue with my 2015 VW Passat TDI last year, and having some experience with exhaust system problems, I can share what worked for me. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I experienced, DPF warning light, regeneration issues, and exhaust back pressure problems. After vehicle diagnostics at my regular workshop, they confirmed a faulty exhaust back pressure sensor was preventing proper DPF regeneration cycles. The repair involved: Full diagnostic scan, Removal and replacement of back pressure sensor, Clearing fault codes, Test driving to confirm proper engine performance Total cost was 245€ and the repair resolved all symptoms. Car has been running perfectly since then with no DPF issues. However, before jumping to conclusions, could you share: Current mileage on your Jetta, Any other warning lights present, Whether you do mostly city or highway driving, If you noticed any loss in power or fuel efficiency This information would help determine if your car maintenance situation matches what I experienced. Sometimes these symptoms can indicate other underlying issues in the exhaust system that require different approaches to auto repair.

Thanks for the thorough explanation of the repair process. My vehicle has 67259km and had its last major service 3 months ago. Additional symptoms beyond what I mentioned include reduced fuel efficiency and occasional power loss during acceleration. When I press the gas pedal, it feels like the engine hesitates before responding. A proper vehicle diagnostics scan would probably help pinpoint if the pressure sensor is truly the root cause of these exhaust system issues. Based on your experience, the repair cost seems reasonable if it resolves all the problems.

Thanks for providing those additional details. Having gone through this with my Passat, the symptoms you describe, especially the hesitation during acceleration and reduced fuel efficiency, strongly align with what I experienced before the repair. The fact that these issues appeared shortly after your service is interesting. The emission control system is sensitive, and sometimes regular maintenance can inadvertently affect sensor readings. In my case, the vehicle diagnostics revealed that the exhaust back pressure readings were inconsistent, causing the DPF system to malfunction. Based on your mileage and symptoms, I strongly suspect your issue mirrors mine. The hesitation during acceleration is particularly telling, this was one of the key indicators that convinced my mechanic to check the back pressure sensor first. Quick question: Have you noticed if the smoke gets worse during attempted DPF regeneration cycles? With my car, this was a clear sign that the system wasnt properly measuring exhaust flow. The 245€ repair cost covered both parts and labor in my case. Given the matching symptoms and similar vehicle platform, you might be looking at comparable costs for the auto repair. Keep in mind that while the back pressure sensor fixed my issues completely, its worth having them check the entire exhaust system during repair to ensure there arent any other developing problems.

The hesitation during acceleration has definitely gotten worse lately, especially when the DPF light is on. And yes, the smoke does intensify during what seems to be attempted regeneration cycles, exactly as you described. Your repair experience gives me confidence that the exhaust sensor is likely the core issue affecting engine performance. Based on all the feedback, I will schedule an appointment to have the pressure sensor checked and potentially replaced. The repair cost of around 245€ seems fair considering the complexity of the exhaust system work involved. I appreciate you sharing the detailed breakdown of your repair process, it helps knowing what to expect when I take it to the shop. Good point about having them inspect the complete exhaust system while they are working on it. Better to catch any other potential issues early rather than dealing with more problems down the road. Will update the forum once I get it fixed to confirm if replacing the sensor resolved everything.