VW Passat Hybrid Cold Start Woes: Faulty Fuel Injector

Had almost identical cold start problems with my 2019 Passat GTE. Being somewhat familiar with fuel system issues, those symptoms immediately reminded me of injector troubles I faced last winter. The rough idle and multiple start attempts matched exactly what you describe. The fuel delivery system was struggling, particularly during cold starts, creating an unstable idle that would last 3-4 minutes before smoothing out. After initial diagnosis, the workshop confirmed a faulty fuel injector was disrupting proper fuel injection during cold starts. They performed a complete injector test and found one cylinder was receiving inconsistent fuel spray patterns. The fix involved replacing the problematic injector and recalibrating the fuel system, totaling 515€. The repair completely resolved both the cold start problems and rough idle issues. Engine starts perfectly now, even in cold conditions. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Current mileage on your Passat? Check Engine Light status? Any unusual sounds during those cold starts? Have you noticed any changes in fuel consumption? Any recent fuel system maintenance performed? This information would help determine if your situation matches what I experienced and whether you might be facing similar injector problems.

Just had the 45000km service done last month, so fairly recent maintenance history. After checking the codes, no CEL triggers, but definitely getting those hard starting symptoms you mentioned. The engine misfire seems most pronounced in the morning after sitting overnight. The fuel consumption has increased about 10% since these cold start problems began. During startup, there is a distinct stuttering sound for about 30 seconds before it settles into that rough idle you described. No fuel system work has been done yet beyond regular service intervals. Your injector diagnosis and solution sounds spot-on with what I am experiencing. Will get the injectors tested to confirm if I am dealing with the same issue. The repair cost seems reasonable if it completely resolves these startup problems.

Thanks for the additional details. The symptoms you describe, especially that 30-second stuttering and 10% increased fuel consumption, match exactly what led to my injector replacement. That distinct stuttering during hard starting was the key indicator that convinced my mechanic to focus on the fuel injection system. Given your mileage and symptoms, I strongly suspect you are dealing with the same injector issue I had. While my Passat showed these problems at 52000km, the failure pattern is remarkably similar. The morning cold starts were particularly problematic for me as well, with that characteristic engine misfire pattern you mentioned. Before replacing my injector, the shop performed a fuel rail pressure test which confirmed inconsistent fuel delivery. I would recommend requesting this specific diagnostic step, it quickly identified the failing injector in my case and ruled out other potential causes. Worth noting that after my repair, fuel consumption returned to normal within two tank fills, and those annoying cold start issues completely disappeared. For reference, the complete job included: Fuel injector replacement: 350€, Diagnostic testing: 85€, System calibration: 80€ Given our similar vehicle specs and identical symptoms, you might want to have them check the fuel pressure regulator while they are testing the injectors. This component can sometimes contribute to hard starting issues even when the primary problem lies with the injectors themselves.

My current mileage is around 45000km, and I am definitely seeing all those symptoms you mentioned. The steady progression of issues matches your experience exactly, the morning start problems are really concerning, especially that stuttering sound during the first 30 seconds. No check engine light has appeared yet, but the fuel consumption increase and cold start problems are identical to what you described. Getting that complete injector test makes perfect sense, especially given how the symptoms match your situation so closely. The 515€ total repair cost seems reasonable considering it includes diagnostics, parts, and calibration. Will have the shop check both the injectors and fuel pressure regulator as suggested. Based on the matching failure pattern and similar vehicle specs, this seems like the most logical path forward. Really appreciate your detailed breakdown of the repair process and costs. Will schedule the fuel system diagnostics this week and have them focus on the injection system components you mentioned. Hoping for the same positive outcome you experienced, getting rid of these cold start troubles would be a huge relief.