VW Jetta Hybrid Stalling & High Fuel Use: MAF Sensor Alert

Had the same symptoms on my 2016 VW Passat GTE Hybrid. The check engine light came on and the engine started stalling at idle. The mass air flow sensor was indeed the culprit, causing incorrect air-fuel ratio readings. The repair involved replacing the MAF sensor and cleaning the air intake system. The faulty sensor was causing the engine management system to receive incorrect readings, leading to excessive fuel consumption and poor performance. The smoke during acceleration was a clear indicator of the rich fuel mixture. This is a common issue that requires immediate attention, as prolonged operation with a faulty MAF sensor can damage the catalytic converter. After the repair, fuel consumption returned to normal and the engine idle stabilized. The whole procedure took about 2 hours at the shop. Worth noting that MAF sensor issues in hybrid systems can be more complex due to the interaction between electric and combustion power sources. Regular maintenance and keeping the air filter clean can help prevent similar issues.

Thank you for sharing your experience. I had a similar MAF sensor failure in my Jetta last year with identical symptoms, poor fuel economy and rough idling. The performance decline was quite noticeable. The check engine light helped diagnose it quickly. Just wondering, do you remember the total repair cost for your case? Also, has everything been running smoothly since the fix? Sometimes these air intake issues can point to other underlying problems, so Im curious if you encountered anything else afterwards.

Thanks for asking about the repair outcome. After fixing the defective MAF sensor for 365€, my Passat has been running perfectly. The fuel economy went back to normal levels and the performance decline completely disappeared. The check engine light hasnt come back since the repair. The mechanics thoroughly tested the mass air flow readings after installation to ensure everything was working correctly. They also inspected the surrounding air intake components and found no additional issues that could have contributed to the original problem. Its been 8 months since the fix, and the engine maintains steady idle with no stalling. The initial symptoms like excessive fuel consumption and poor performance are completely resolved. Keeping the air filter clean has helped maintain optimal MAF sensor function. For preventive maintenance, I now have the air intake system checked regularly to avoid similar issues in the future. The investment in fixing the faulty sensor was definitely worth it for the improved engine performance and fuel efficiency.

After getting your advice, I took my Jetta to the mechanic yesterday. The diagnosis confirmed our suspicion, it was indeed a faulty mass air flow sensor affecting the air-fuel ratio. The repair cost came to 380€ including parts and labor. The mechanic cleaned the entire air intake system while replacing the sensor. Initial test drives show dramatically improved fuel economy and the engine stalling has completely stopped. No more smoke under acceleration either. What really impressed me was how quickly they identified and fixed the problem. The whole repair took about 3 hours. The shop also showed me the old sensor and explained how its failure was causing the rich fuel mixture and performance issues. Been driving for two days now and the car feels like new again. The check engine light is off and the idle is perfectly smooth. Definitely a much better repair experience than my last one.